NTER-AMERICAN DIVISION
GENERAL CONFERENCE OF
SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTISTS
TELEPHONE (305) 443-7471 - CABLE "ADVENTIST" MIAMI
Office of the President
July 22, 1974
Dear Fellow Believers Around the World:
Inter-America has grown to be the second largest division in the world
church. During the last ten years the membership has more than
doubled--an increase of 129 percent--or a membership of about 430,000.
The churches are literally bursting at the seams. An ever-increasing
number of young people, comprising more than half the church member-
ship, are knocking at the doors of our church schools, day and board-
ing academies and colleges. Administrators are straining every nerve
and stretching every dollar, trying to open the way for this new genera-
tion and to prepare them for future responsibilities in the church. But
because the financial resources of the church do not keep pace with the
growth of the membership and the need for new facilities, Inter-America
is looking forward to the generous offering of our faithful Sabbath
school members around the world, to help meet its most pressing needs.
This Thirteenth Sabbath, Caribbean Union College, located near Port-of-
Spain, Trinidad, which suffered from two fires in 1973, is at the top of
the list to benefit from your liberal offering, along with Andrews
Memorial Hospital in Kingston, Jamaica, the oldest hospital in Inter-
America.
When Andrews Memorial Hospital was first built, the work was small, but
over the years it has helped to create a favorable climate for the preach-
ing of the gospel. Today, Seventh-day Adventists are well respected
there for what they do as well as for what they believe. This institu-
tion has exerted a tremendous influence in Jamaica far in excess of its
size, but the time has come to expand before it becomes outdated.
We are very grateful for your contributions in the past, and we are con-
fident that our brothers and sisters around the world will respond
sacrificially during this Thirteenth Sabbath in answer to our urgent call.
Yours for a liberal Thirteenth Sabbath Overflow,
1.4 •
President
Inter-American Division
BLA:r
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Daybreak
Adult Sabbath School Lessons
No. 321, July-September, 1975
Lesson Author
Herbert E. Douglass
Editor
W. Richard Lesher
Editorial Secretary
Florence Wetmore
Circulation Manager
A. R. Mazat
The Adult Sabbath School
Lessons are prepared by the
Sabbath School Department
of the General Conference of
Seventh-day Adventists. The
preparation of the lessons is
under the general direction of
a worldwide Sabbath School
Lesson Committee, the members
of which serve as consulting
editors.
Editorial Office:
6840 Eastern Ave., N.W.
Washington, D.C. 20012
Lesson Titles for the Quarter
1.
Introducing Two Young Men
7.
How to Keep the Faith
of Faith
8.
Making Character a Credit to
2.
The Purpose of Theology
Doctrine
3.
The Christian's Weapons
9.
The Fruitage of Grace
4.
Credentials for Church
10.
Guarding the Truth
Leadership
11.
Portrait of Men and Women
5.
Preparation for Model Leaders
of Faith
6.
Responsibilities of the Church
12.
Avoiding a Counterfeit Faith
Toward Its Members
13.
Faith Faces Death
Copyright 1975 by Pacific Press Publishing Association
Cover and all photographs by Concerned Communications
Adult Sabbath School Lesson (standard edition), No. 321, July-September,
1975. Single copy, 40 cents; four issues (1 year), $1.50; no additional charge
to countries requiring extra postage. Published in the U.S.A., by Pacific Press
Publishing Association (a corporation of S.D.A.), 1350 Villa Street, Mountain
View, California 94042. Second-class mail privileges authorized at Mountain
View, California. Form 3579 requested. When a change of address is desired,
please be sure to send both old and new addresses.
1—A.Q. 3-75
"As a means of intellectual training,
the opportunities of the Sabbath are
invaluable. Let the Sabbath-school les-
son be learned, not by a hasty glance
at the lesson scripture on Sabbath
morning, but by careful study for the
next week on Sabbath afternoon, with
daily review or illustration during the
week. Thus the lesson will become
fixed in the memory, a treasure never
to be wholly lost."
—"Education," pages 251, 252.
I pledge myself to the careful and prayerful study of
some portion of my Sabbath School lesson each day
of the week.
(signed)
The regular Adult Sabbath School Lessons are available free each
month in Braille and 16
2
/
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rpm records to blind and physically
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cludes individuals who because of arthritis, multiple sclerosis,
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normal inkprint publications. Contact the Christian Record Braille
Foundation, Box 6097, Lincoln, Nebraska 68506.
FAITH IN ACTION
Introduction
The letters known as First and Second Timothy and Titus are among the few
examples in the New Testament which describe how one generation passes on
the Christian witness to the next. Other New Testament writings, such as the
letters to the Romans or to the Galatians, emphasize the content of Christian
theology and its ethical applications. Rare, however, is the occasion in the Bible
where the nature and problems of evangelical communication are elaborated.
Christianity is more than mental belief in unique theological doctrines; Chris-
tianity is a new way of life that has been made possible by the personal interven-
tion of God Himself into the affairs of men and women.
But who would believe such an unthinkable thought? Only those who had
personally met such a Person and discovered that everything He said about
man's problems, his hopes and fears and weaknesses, was true. More than that,
such people would also discover that His solutions to these fears and weak-
nesses really worked and that Jesus, in fact, had the truth and everything He
said rang true. Wherever His words were relayed, from person to person, from
country to country, the same human discoveries were made. Jesus spoke the
truth about life, His solutions worked, lives were changed, the awareness of
more than human help was evident.
But Jesus met relatively few people in Palestine during His short ministry, and
fewer yet of this circle actually discovered that He was worth trusting and obey-
ing. But those who made the discovery passed it on. They were concerned that
the facts concerning Jesus, who He was, what He said, how He lived, be kept
free from addition or subtraction. Though Jesus was no longer on earth, His
story leaped from continent to continent. The credibility of the good news rested,
not primarily in the strange message His followers proclaimed but in their own
personal witness of what this message had done for them. A new life-style was
born. Love as never before imagined now motivated whole communities of
believers. The impact was unavoidable. It forced a response. As their Lord
predicted, the life of love became a rebuke and a judgment to those who were
settled into their self-indulging, self-justifying ways. Alienation, ridicule, and
finally physical harm became the common lot of Christians. How could they
survive such unfair treatment? Those who did had learned that their Lord was
close by, always providing the strength needed to bear any hardship.
What we have just described is the life of faith doing what comes naturally
for those who have learned the peace that comes from trusting and obeying their
Lord Jesus. Such living, dynamic faith has never been needed more than it is
today. The study of the letters to Timothy and Titus has never been more
timely. We are living at a time when the work so nobly begun by Paul and his
colleagues should be completed. The coming of their Lord to earth in great
glory that they preached so convincingly is long overdue. The solution to the
urgent problems of an unfinished task and of a delayed advent may be seen in
the passionate concern for authentic evangelism which permeates these three
letters which will be the source of our study during this quarter.
Before beginning the verse-by-verse study of each book it would greatly
assist the student in understanding the book's message if he would read the
whole book through once, or several times, at one sitting.
1—A.Q.
3-75
LC3JUIN I
dune
24
-
JUIY
INTRODUCING
TWO YOUNG
re
OF FAITH-
"I am reminded of your sincere
faith, a faith that dwelt first in your
grandmother Lois and your mother
Eunice and now, I am sure, dwells
in you." 2 Tim. 1:5, RSV.
"To Titus, mine own son'after the
common faith." Titus 1:4.
Since sin entered the human fam-
ily, faith has not been a natural
human trait. A sinner is self-cen-
tered and determined to make him-
self lord of his own life. Faith, how-
ever, is the opposite of sin and self-
centeredness. When a man of faith
makes Jesus Lord of his life, he
gladly places his thoughts, feelings,
and desires under the will of His
Lord. He lets his Lord do for him
what he could never do for himself.
He listens carefully for daily in-
structions. He says Yes to whatever
God wants him to do. He knows that
his Lord desires only the best for
him and in that knowledge he finds
peace, inner strength to meet life's
problems, and a restful look into the
future.
Some may want to describe this
relationship as trust or confidence.
And they would be correct. Trust
and faith are two equally acceptable
English words for the Greek word
pistis.
A man of faith cheerfully
obeys God because He trusts God.
A man of faith is a man of action
because faith always leads the be-
liever to be concerned about living
as Jesus would live.
In young Timothy and Titus we
find a pattern of faith that all, young
and old, can safely emulate today.
It was not easy 2,000 years ago to
call Jesus Lord when such commit-
ment led not only to ridicule but
also to physical danger. Neverthe-
less, in spite of peril on all sides,
these two young men provided the
human support that Paul, Christian-
ity's greatest man of faith, needed
as he planted the seeds of faith
across two continents. Eventually
Paul came to the place when he
could die, confident that the flicker-
ing lamp of faith would continue to
burn brightly in the lives of second
generation Christians such as his two
younger colleagues. They proved
that genuine faith could bridge the
generation gap and keep the mean-
ing of Christianity alive though its
pioneers would die.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Timothy Meets Paul, Acts 14:19,
20; 16:1a
2.
Timothy's Family Life, Acts
16:1b; 2 Tim. 1:5
3.
Timothy's Character, Acts 16:2
4.
A Snapshot of Timothy, 1 Tim.
4:12
5.
Paul's Co-worker, 2 Tim. 3:10,11
6.
Titus, the Other Son, Titus 1:4
Introducing Two Young Men of Faith
LESSON 1
Sunday
June
29
Part 1
Under what conditions did Timothy first meet Paul?
TIMOTHY
"But Jews came there [to Lystral from Antioch and Ica-
MEETS PAUL
nium; and having persuaded the people, they stoned Paul
and dragged him out of the city, supposing that he was dead.
But when the disciples gathered about him, he rose up and
entered the city; and on the next day he went on with Barna-
bas to Derbe." Acts 14:19, 20, RSV.
"And he came also to Derbe and to Lystra. A disciple was
there, named Timothy." Acts 16:1a, RSV.
Timothy, a Lystran, probably saw Paul mercilessly stoned
and dragged through the streets of Lystra during Paul's first
missionary journey. Yet, young Timothy did not flinch before
his neighbors while he took his position beside the bloody body
of his spiritual hero. Paul's miraculous recovery coupled with
his forgiving spirit gave authenticity to the amazing message
that he had been proclaiming.
During the approximately three years between Paul's first
and second visit to Lystra, the meaning of Christian faith be-
came a matter of personal experience for Timothy. He had
come to know the Lord that Paul had proclaimed. Paul left no
New Testament book for Timothy to read, for none had been
written. Timothy based his faith on the Old Testament and the
personal witness of an itinerant preacher who taught that God
had become man in Jesus Christ,
and
that this Jesus is alive
forevermore to restore power and dignity to all men through
His Holy Spirit.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the real basis for Christian faith? On what does
Christian faith build today?
"Our confession of His faithfulness is Heaven's chosen
agency for revealing Christ to the world. We are to acknowledge
His grace as made known through the holy men of old; but that
which will be most effectual is the testimony of our own expe-
rience. We are witnesses for God as we reveal in ourselves
the working of a power that is divine. Every individual has a
life distinct from all others, and an experience differing essen-
tially from theirs. God desires that our praise shall ascend to
Him, marked by our own individuality. These precious acknowl-
edgements to the praise of the glory of His grace, when sup-
ported by a Christlike life, have an irresistible power that works
for the salvation of souls."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 347.
Timothy's faith was not the result of philosophical logic or
scientific evidence; he heard the voice of God talking to him
through Paul's witness of faith. Timothy responded to Paul and
through Paul to Jesus, just as Paul himself had earlier re-
sponded to Jesus.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons, "The
Lord's Vineyard," pages 296-
299.
8
Introducing Two Young Men of Faith
LESSON 1
Monday
June 30
Part 2
TIMOTHY'S
FAMILY LIFE
What divisions seemed likely in Timothy's home?
"A disciple was there, named Timothy, the son of a Jewish
woman who was a believer; but his father was a Greek."
Acts 16:1 b, RSV.
"I am reminded of your sincere faith, a faith that dwelt
first in your grandmother Lois and your mother Eunice and
now, I am sure, dwells in you." 2 Tim. 1:5, RSV.
Timothy grew up in a divided home. We do not know if his
father ever became a Christian. We can surmise that family
peace was not complete even under the best of conditions as
long as Timothy's mother worshiped the crucified Jesus of the
Jews and his father, through Greek eyes, saw the whole story
as foolishness. "For the Jews require a sign, and the Greeks
seek after wisdom: but we preach Christ crucified, unto the
Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness."
1 Cor. 1:22, 23.
Timothy's experience gives hope and courage to all who find
themselves in a divided home—whether the Christian be a
parent or a child. Much credit must be given to godly Lois
and Eunice. They knew how to keep Jesus before Timothy as
a child and later as a teen-ager so that He was loved and not
resented.
What can young parents today learn from Timothy's home
life? 2 Tim. 3:15.
THINK IT THROUGH
What relationship do you
see
between a Bible-centered
home and a faithful teen-ager? Is there always a direct
cause and effect? Why? Is the Bible enough?
"From a child he had known the Scriptures. The piety that
he saw in his home life was sound and sensible. The faith of
his mother and his grandmother in the sacred oracles was to
him a constant reminder of the blessing in doing God's will.
The word of God was the rule by which these two godly women
had guided Timothy. The spiritual power of the lessons that
he had received from them kept him pure in speech and un-
sullied by the evil influences with which he was surrounded.
Thus his home instructors had co-operated with God in pre-
paring him to bear burdens."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page
203.
FURTHER STUDY
Child Guidance,
pages 38-44.
9
Introducing Two Young Men of Faith
LESSON 1
Tuesday
July 1
Part 3
What can be said about Timothy's reputation?
TIMOTHY'S
CHARACTER
"He [Timothy] was well spoken of by the brethren at
Lystra and Iconium." Acts 16:2, RSV.
Paul's second missionary journey convinced him that the
gospel was winning the hearts of men and women wherever it
was preached. The need for trained workers who would nur-
ture the growing groups that Paul would leave behind became
one of the veteran apostle's chief concerns. Strong pastoral
leadership was needed as well as more evangelistic teams.
On Paul's second visit to Lystra he was encouraged by the
steadfastness of the young church and especially with the de-
velopment of young Timothy.
"In Timothy Paul saw one who appreciated the sacredness
of the work of a minister; who was not appalled at the prospect
of suffering and persecution; and who was willing to be taught.
Yet the apostle did not venture to take the responsibility of
giving Timothy, an untried youth, a training in the gospel min-
istry, without first fully satisfying himself in regard to his char-
acter and his past life."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 203.
Paul did not want any more experiences such as he had
with John Mark. See Acts 12:25; 13:13; 15:37-40. Youth were
needed to carry the burden, but he wanted young men who
were experienced in faith, men who had earned the respect
of their peers as well as older members of the community. Such
a young man he found in Timothy.
THINK IT THROUGH
In choosing leaders for the church, regardless of the level
of responsibility, what qualifications are the most important?
"As the lessons of the Bible are wrought into the daily life,
they have a deep and lasting influence upon the character.
These lessons Timothy learned and practiced. He had no spe-
cially brilliant talents, but his work was valuable because he
used his God-given abilities in the Master's service. His knowl-
edge of experimental piety distinguished him from other be-
lievers and gave him influence."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 205.
Nothing can compensate for genuine faith that is recog-
nized alike by colleagues and by non-Christians. Platform skill,
persuasive eloquence, mental brilliance—all such abilities may
be useful and do permanent good only when used by the man
of faith who truly witnesses to the converting power of the Lord
Jesus.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 205-210.
10
Introducing Two Young Men of Faith
LESSON 1
Wednesday
July 2
Part 4
How did Paul emphasize the influence of youthful be-
A SNAPSHOT
lievers?
OF TIMOTHY
"Let no one despise your youth, but set the believers an
example in speech and conduct, in love, in faith, in purity."
1 Tim. 4:12, RSV.
From one standpoint Timothy was an untried youth. He was
"little more than a boy" when Paul took him as his understudy.
See Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7,
p. 918. Yet his character pattern had become well established;
he had satisfied Paul's investigation.
"In the history of Timothy are found precious lessons. He
was a mere lad when chosen by God as a teacher; but so fixed
were his principles by a correct education that he was fitted
for this important position. He bore his responsibilities with
Christlike meekness. He was faithful, steadfast, and true, and
Paul selected him to be his companion in labor and travel. Lest
Timothy should meet with slights because of his youthfulnesi,
Paul wrote to him, 'Let no man despise thy youth.' He could
safely do this, because Timothy was not self-sufficient, but con-
tinually sought guidance."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 7, p. 915.
Read 1 Tim. 5:23.
Here is a suggestion that Timothy may not have enjoyed
robust health. But nevertheless Timothy plunged into the very
demanding life that Paul's schedule called for. Paul knew, how-
ever, that, unless Timothy placed a high priority on his physical
strength and general health habits, he would soon become use-
less as a leader. Mental and moral alertness are largely de-
pendent upon a healthy body.
Although some believe that Paul here advocates the moder-
ate use of fermented wine for medicinal purposes, others con-
tend that Paul refers to unfermented wine and was not likely
to give advice inconsistent with Scriptural warnings against in-
toxicating beverages. The main point to consider is that Timothy
needed to be reminded that optimal health was a major asset
in his role as a church leader.
Read 2 Tim. 1:7, 8.
Paul's admonition intimates that his young co-worker may
have been, by natural temperament, tilted more toward being
an introvert than an extrovert.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is there a particular kind of personality that God can
best use as a Christian worker? If so, how would you de-
scribe that person? What about those who don't fit the pat-
tern?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 469-474.
11
Introducing Two Young Men of Faith
LESSON 1
Thursday
July 3
Part 5
What became Timothy's clearest teaching manual on how
PAUL'S
to become a faithful pastor?
CO-WORKER
"Now you have observed my teaching, my conduct, my
aim in life, my faith, my patience, my love, my steadfastness,
my persecutions, my sufferings, what befell me at Antioch, at
Iconium, and at Lystra, what persecutions I endured; yet from
them all the Lord rescued me." 2 Tim. 3:10, 11, RSV.
Four times in the two letters to Timothy (two in each) Paul
called him "son" (KJV) (in RSV two of these are rendered
"child"). Although Paul probably had no son after the flesh, his
relationship with Timothy seemed to compensate. The bond
between these two men, one in his middle forties and the other
yet in his teens, melded almost immediately; the mutual trust
developed beyond the normal co-worker cordiality.
Read 2 Tim. 2:2.
Timothy learned by watching and doing. His information was
not rented or second-hand, not merely academic but thoroughly
experiential. Truth became more than an intellectual experi-
ence, more than a knowing; Timothy saw what Paul had early
realized, that truth is a matter of
doing
the will of God.
"The great apostle often drew the younger disciple out,
questioning him in regard to Scripture history, and as they
traveled from place to place, he carefully taught him how to
do successful work. Both Paul and Silas, in all their association
with Timothy, sought to deepen the impression that had al-
ready been made upon his mind, of the sacred, serious nature
of the work of the gospel minister."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 204.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does Paul's advice to Timothy, as well as His method of
developing his effectiveness as a soul winner, apply only to
young ministers? Is there any difference between the way a
minister witnesses to the power of the gospel and that ex-
pected of an ordinary church member?
"Christ has given to
the
church a sacred charge. Every
member should be a channel through which God can commu-
nicate to the world the treasures of His grace, the unsearchable
riches of Christ. There is nothing that the Saviour desires so
much as agents who will represent to the world His Spirit and
His character. There is nothing that the world needs so much as
the manifestation through humanity of the Saviour's love. All
heaven is waiting for men and women through whom God can
reveal the power of Christianity."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 600.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To Meet the Bridegroom," pages
416-421.
12
Introducing Two Young Men of Faith
LESSON 1
Friday
July 4
Part 6
How did Paul regard Titus?
TITUS, THE
OTHER SON
"To Titus, mine own son after the common faith." Titus 1:4.
Little is known of Titus: He is not mentioned in the book of
Acts. References to him in Paul's letters however indicate
that, like Timothy, Paul had found in Titus a remarkable young
man who could be trusted, not only with the doctrinal content
Paul had taught him, but also as a reliable co-worker. He be-
came the leader of the church's expansion into the area now
known as Yugoslavia. See 2 Tim. 4:10.
Read 2 Cor. 8:23, 16, 17.
Titus had been sent to Corinth on one of the most sensitive
missions ever undertaken in the Christian church. The Chris-
tian community in this influential port city was in great danger
of destroying itself and bringing doubt into the minds of many
regarding the genuine effectiveness of the gospel.
"Pride, idolatry, and sensualism were steadily increasing
among those [in Corinth] who had once been zealous in the
Christian life.
"As this picture was presented before him, Paul saw that
his worst fears were more than realized. . . . Gladly would he
have visited Corinth at once, had this been the wisest course
to pursue. But he knew that in their present condition the be-
lievers would not profit by his labors, and therefore he sent Titus
to prepare the way for a visit from himself later on."—The
Acts
of the Apostles,
pages 300, 301.
After sending the letter and Titus, Paul could only hope for
the best. As time passed and not hearing from Corinth or Titus,
Paul left for Troas on his way to Macedonia, hoping to find
Titus. "I had no rest in my spirit, because
I
found not Titus
my brother." 2 Cor. 2:13.
Read 2 Cor. 7:6, 7.
This remarkable incident tells us much about Titus. He was
young but effective. He was a bridge builder and not one who
delighted in polarizing a group. He was more committed to
building up a program than taking advantage of misunderstand-
ings between a leader and his followers. Titus could have
subtly alienated Corinth from Paul and built himself up as a
more understanding, up-to-date leader. If Titus had not been
a man of faith, the situation at Corinth could possibly have
become a complete disaster.
THINK IT THROUGH
What dangers does a conciliator face? How differently could
the Corinth problem have turned out if Titus were self-serving?
13
LESSON 2 July
6-12
TH-C PURPOSE
OF
TFECOLOGY
'Neither give heed to fables and
endless genealogies, which minister
questions, rather than godly edifying
which is in faith: so do." 1 Tim. 1:4.
"The ultimate aim of the Christian
ministry, after all, is to produce the
love which springs from a pure
heart, a good conscience and a gen-
uine faith. Some seem to have for-
gotten this and to have lost them-
selves in endless words. They want
a reputation as teachers of the Law,
yet they fail to realize the meaning
of their own words, still less of the
subject they are so dogmatic about."
1 Tim. 1:5-7, Phillips.
It is a frightening thought that,
along with the "lawless and dis-
obedient"
t
as described in this first
chapter (verses 9, 10), an appalling
number of Bible-quoting church
members will also be lost. These
church members, known generally
as those "in good and regular stand-
ing," will be lost, not because they
did not know the truth about Jesus
and His second coming, or that the
seventh day is the Sabbath, but be-
cause the truth did not change their
dispositions, daily habits, and atti-
tudes toward other people.
For those who still have time to
decide about which group they
want to finally end up in, Paul's
counsel to Timothy is very real and
clear. No amount of theology under-
stood, no great service record of
talking about it with others, no com-
mendable program of financial
stewardship, nor anything else that
is good in itself will do,
if!
If doc-
trine becomes only an end in itself
and not a means to refine the char-
acter until it finally reflects Jesus
Himself, if an outstanding service
record merely reflects human ac-
tivity and enthusiasm rather than
Christ's approach, the terrible mo-
ment of truth will come when Jesus
says, "I never knew you." Matt. 7:23.
This week's lesson will never have
been learned by the five foolish
virgins (Matt. 25). Church members,
yes, but not candidates for the king-
dom. Accepted perhaps as leaders in
their local churches on earth, they
are not fit to be saved into a com-
munity where love springs, forth
spontaneously and where a rebel
thought never arises. Words cannot
emphasize the importance of learn-
ing what Paul wanted Timothy to
make clear to the church members
at Ephesus and all Christians ever
since.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Challenge of Ephesus,
1 Tim. 1:3
2.
Authentic Credentials, 1 Tim. 1:1
3.
Faith Misunderstood, 1 Tim. 1:4
4.
Aim of Doctrine, 1 Tim. 1:5, 6
5.
Faith Exalts the Law, 1 Tim.
1:8-11
6.
Paul, an Example of Faith and
Love, 1 Tim. 1:12-14
The Purpose
of Theology
LESSON 2
Sunday
July 6
Part 1
At what famous city was Timothy given major responsibil-
THE CHALLENGE
ities?
OF EPHESUS
"As I urged you when I was going to Macedonia, remain
at Ephesus." 1 Tim. 1:3, RSV.
Timothy fulfilled many difficult assignments as Paul's rep-
resentative, but going to Ephesus was perhaps his most impor-
tant. He had spent more than two years in Ephesus during
Paul's third evangelistic tour, followed by a special assignment
to Corinth, some time with Paul in Greece, and then the last
journey to Jerusalem where Paul was arrested.
During the first imprisonment in Rome, Timothy remained
with Paul; after the release Paul and Timothy journeyed to Asia
Minor, with Timothy staying in Ephesus while Paul moved on.
Ephesus became a key base for the expansion of Christianity,
and a clear thinking leader was needed to consolidate the
work that Paul and others had developed. That Timothy was
accounted capable of fulfilling this assignment is eloquent
testimony of his ability and also unqualified vindication of
Paul's earlier judgment to train Timothy as his close associate.
Read Acts 19:26, 27.
Along with being one of the great commercial capitals of
the ancient world, Ephesus was also a center for the various
schools of Greek and Oriental philosophy as well as most
forms of pagan religion. Acts 19 refers to the great temple of
the goddess Diana, or Artemis, that attracted vast multitudes
of pilgrims and brought much wealth and fame to Ephesus.
Besides being the swirling center of philosophy and pagan
religion, Ephesus also had a strong Jewish community with
its teaching and influence.
"Ephesus was not only the most magnificent, but the most
corrupt, of the cities of Asia. Superstition and sensual pleasure
held sway over her teeming population. Under the shadow of
her temples, criminals of every grade found shelter, and the
most degrading vices flourished."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 286.
THINK IT THROUGH
If you had been Paul or Timothy, how would you have be-
gun preaching the gospel in such a city as Ephesus? Are
there similar challenges today? What evangelistic approaches
do you think would be most effective?
"Those who belong to the higher ranks of society are to be
sought out with tender affection and brotherly regard. Men in
business life, in high positions of trust, men with large inven-
tive faculties and scientific insight, men of genius, teachers of
the gospel whose minds have not been called to the special
truths for this time—these should be the first to hear the call."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 230.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 6, pp. 77-84.
16
The Purpose of Theology
LESSON 2
Monday
July 7
Part 2
AUTHENTIC
CREDENTIALS
What made Paul's credentials authentic?
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the commandment of
God our Saviour, and Lord Jesus Christ, which is our hope."
1 Tim. 1:1.
Paul's opening words sound out a note of authority, making
it clear to all who would read this letter in Ephesus and else-
where that he was not merely writing a personal letter to
his old friend Timothy. After many years of watching young
churches develop, knowing first-hand where the unseen dan-
gers would be, Paul sent this very explicit pastoral letter to
Ephesus through its chief pastor.
Paul spoke forcefully, knowing to whom he owed his first
loyalties. Since those early days with Ananias in Damascus
when he first heard the call to the Christian ministry, Paul had
lived under the "commandment of God." In holy boldness and
humility he took his place with the Twelve as one of Christ
Jesus' special emissaries—the apostles.
In what way would God (the Father) be our Saviour? Is
Christ our hope only in the sense that He is coming again?
Or that He as a Person has become the ground of hope be-
cause of what He did as a human being?
All members of the Godhead have participated in the work
of saving mankind although they may have had different func-
tions. In emphasizing God as our Saviour, Paul stresses the
deliverance from the guilt and power of sin that the Godhead
provides; in emphasizing Jesus as our hope, we are reminded
that without God becoming incarnate in Jesus, there would be
no meaning to life, no reason to hope that anything could truly
get better. Life without hope is a depressing, suffocating ex-
perience.
The pagan world had been calling some of their chief gods
"Savior" for some time. Great men, such as Alexander the
Great, were called "Savior," as were the Roman emperors. But
all these applications never rose higher than the economic or
political spheres; only Christianity, building on the rich back-
ground of the Old Testament, applied the concept of Saviour to
the spiritual and eternal.
THINK IT THROUGH
If you were Timothy, would you have wanted Paul to
begin this important letter on church management any dif-
ferently? What responsibility would you feel if you had re-
ceived a letter such as this?
For us living in the twentieth century, this letter to Timothy
carries as much authority as it did to the church members at
Ephesus. It contains priceless guidance for the church today.
17
The Purpose of Theology
LESSON 2
Tuesday
July 8
Part 3
FAITH MIS-
UNDERSTOOD
What is the danger of theological speculation?
"Nor to occupy themselves with myths and endless gene-
alogies which promote speculations rather than the divine
training that is in faith." 1 Tim. 1:4, RSV.
Paul moves directly to the point: anything that does not
lead to faith is pure waste and, worse, destructive. God designs
that faith should be the beginning and end of divine training.
Faith is a dynamic way of life—a personal relationship with
God wherein man cheerfully demonstrates his trust in God
by a life habit of obedience. He says Yes to God in prosperity
and adversity. Faith is the opposite of sin. A sinner is a rebel;
he distrusts God and does not make Him Lord of his life.
When the man of faith turns to his neighbor and witnesses
to his Lord, he begins to theologize, to explain doctrinally who
it is that he trusts and for what reasons. The quality of his
faith, his trusting, obedient relation with God, does not neces-
sarily depend upon how much formal theology he knows.
In what way can you
see
doctrine (or theology) becoming
a handicap to faith? In what way can faith make it possible
to understand doctrine?
"The faith that is unto salvation is not a mere intellectual
assent to the truth. He who waits for entire knowledge before
he will exercise faith cannot receive blessing from God. It is
not enough to believe
about
Christ; we must believe
in
Him.
The only faith that will benefit us is that which embraces Him
as a personal Saviour; which appropriates His merits to our-
selves. Many hold faith as an opinion. Saving faith is a trans-
action by which those who receive Christ join themselves in
covenant relation with God. Genuine faith is life. A living faith
means an increase of vigor, a confiding trust, by which the
soul becomes a conquering power."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 347.
Strange as it may seem, many people enjoy the bizarre, the
mystical, the novel, rather than the simple message of the
gospel. They feel they are on the "inside" when they share
some novel speculation, and the excitement is often misunder-
stood for genuine religion. Here Paul makes it clear that a mis-
understanding of faith can open the door to many kinds of
useless activity often done under the cloak of respectable
Christianity.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I substitute the confidence I have in doctrine for the
daily confidence I should have in the empowering guidance
of a living Saviour?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"To Meet the Bridegroom," pages
408-416.
18
The Purpose of Theology
LESSON 2
Wednesday
July 9
Part 4
In what way can even Bible study become a substitute for
AIM OF
faith?
DOCTRINE
"Whereas the aim of our charge is love that issues from a
pure heart and a good conscience and sincere faith. Certain
persons by swerving from these have wandered away into
vain discussion." 1 Tim. 1:5, 6, RSV.
The aim of the Christian ministry (the "charge" given to
Timothy) is to present before the world a truly loving people, a
community of Christians that reflects the love and faith of the
Lord Jesus Christ. It is for this that Christ lingers.
"Christ is waiting with longing desire for the manifestation
of Himself in His church. When the character of Christ shall
be perfectly reproduced in His people, then He will come to
claim them as His own.
"It is the privilege of every Christian not only to look for
but to hasten the coming of our Lord Jesus Christ. . . . Were
all who profess His name bearing fruit to His glory, how
quickly the whole world would be sown with the seed of the
gospel."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 69.
If faith does not produce love, it is not genuine faith. So
Paul said: "For in Jesus Christ neither circumcision availeth
any thing, nor uncircumcision; but faith which worketh by love."
Gal. 5:6.
Paul's chief concern is that the gospel should make clear
the new kind of life possible in Christ Jesus. We have often
found it easier to learn doctrine than to make a life habit out
of truly loving others. Thus some swerve from the purpose of
the gospel, finding their security in knowing about the truth,
rather than living in the truth, loving as Christ loved.
THINK IT THROUGH
What internal connection do you see between a pure heart,
a good conscience, sincere faith, and love? Are they synony-
mous or sequential?
"It is contrition and faith and love that enable the soul to
receive wisdom from heaven. Faith working by love is the key
of knowledge, and everyone that loveth `knoweth God.' 1 John
4:7."—The Desire of Ages,
page 139.
A good conscience depends upon the source of the infor-
mation that it is guided by. An ignorant conscience will not
produce a sincere faith any more than a sincere faith can func-
tion alongside an impure heart or an unintelligent conscience.
Faith is the key that awakens conscience, purifies the heart,
and prompts genuine love.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Without a Wedding Garment,"
pages 311-315.
19
2-A.Q. 3-75
The Purpose of Theology
LESSON 2
Thursday
July 10
Part 5
FAITH EXALTS
THE LAW
"But we know that the law is good, if a man use it law-
fully; . . . according to the glorious gospel of the blessed
God, which was committed to my trust." 1 Tim. 1:8-11.
How can a good law be misused and lead to bad religion?
Paul hastens to distinguish between teachers who misuse
the law and the law itself. Neither academic credentials, ob-
vious literary skills, or a wealth of information will guarantee
that a theologian rightly understands the law of God.
For example, how to apply the Ten Commandments has
been the point of contention between well-trained theologians
for centuries. Some say it applied only to the literal Jews,
others contend that Christians under grace are no longer under
the law. The problem gets even more difficult when earnest
Christians are deluded into thinking that outward conformance
to the law (a necessary and commendable objective) somehow
provides security and satisfies God's expectations for His
people.
Only genuine faith can rightly understand the purpose of the
law. The scribes and other teachers of the law in Christ's day
misunderstood this purpose and were rebuked by our Lord.
See Matt. 22:29. As Paul said in Romans 7:12, "The law is
holy, and the commandment holy, and just, and good." So he
reminds the church through Timothy that "the law is good."
The man of faith knows that without the law no man would
know God's will or how far man has strayed; faith says Yes
to whatever God has commanded because faith knows that
the law tells the truth about God and man.
What relationship is there between the law and love?
"Love is the fulfilling of the law." Rom. 13:10.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I find it easier to keep the law than to have faith?
Easier to keep the law than to love? See Matt. 19:16-22.
It
is possible to emphasize the law and become recognized
as commandment keepers and still miss the mark and swerve
from love, a pure heart, a good conscience, and a sincere faith.
See 1 Tim. 1:5. One does not have to dismiss the law as Jewish
or outdated to be guilty of misusing the law.
"The life of Christ on earth was a perfect expression of
God's law, and when those who claim to be children of God
become Christlike in character, they will be obedient to God's
commandments. Then the Lord can trust them to be of the num-
ber who shall compose the family of
heaven."—Christ's Object
Lessons,
page 315.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Without a Wedding Garment,"
pages 316-319.
20
The Purpose of Theology
LESSON 2
Friday
July II
Part 6
PAUL, AN
EXAMPLE OF
FAITH AND
LOVE
Where do faith and love begin?
"I thank him who has given me strength for this, . .
because I had acted ignorantly in unbelief, and the grace of
our Lord overflowed for me with the faith and love that are
in Christ Jesus." 1 Tim. 1:12-14, RSV.
Read also 1 Tim. 1:15-17.
Paul was his own best illustration of what the gospel is all
about. He had been guilty of misunderstanding the law—not
as a vain speculator as some, not as others who diminished
the importance of the law, but as one who confused the pur-
pose of the law. He had trusted in external obedience and had
missed the spiritual intent of the law. In serving God with this
misguided understanding of the law, he had overlooked the
principle of love and mercy that God Himself was showing to
all men.
When Paul finally accepted Jesus as his Lord, he saw the
law in a completely new setting. Instead of a burden, it be-
came a friend—it showed him how much he truly needed grace.
Instead of viewing verses 12 to 17 as a digression, we
should see them as a beautiful snapshot of what the gospel
will do for anyone who lets the grace of God overflow in his
life. Gratitude for salvation, for knowing Jesus as a personal
Friend and Saviour, becomes as spontaneous as breathing. If
thankfulness does not spring forth naturally, something very
serious has happened to the spiritual life of a professed Chris-
tian.
Instead of his former "unbelief" (literally, "unfaith"), verse
13, Paul was a model of living faith (verse 14). Genuine love
had replaced a merciless self-righteousness that had once
driven a rabid bigot to kill men in the service of God. What
greater example could be given of the power of God in Jesus
Christ? If Paul could be changed, should any man doubt what
God could do for him?
THINK IT THROUGH
If Saul of Tarsus heard the gospel only as interpreted by
the teachers of the law described in verse 7, do you think
that there would have been Paul, the converted Pharisee?
What is the only appropriate response to the gospel? What
alone proves that Jesus indeed saves sinners?
"Satan had claimed that it was impossible for man to obey
God's commandments; and in our own strength it is true that
we cannot obey them. But Christ came in the form of humanity,
and by His perfect obedience He proved that humanity and
divinity combined can obey every one of God's precepts. . . .
"When a soul receives Christ, he receives power to live the
life of Christ."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 314.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Without a Wedding Garment,"
pages 307-311.
21
2-A.Q. 3-75
"I will therefore that men pray
every where, lifting up holy hands,
without wrath and doubting."
1 Tim. 2:8.
Victorious Christians have dis-
covered that their strength depends
on strict attention to key areas such
as a good conscience, genuine faith,
an open spirit to the secular world
and its civic responsibilities, a mis-
sion-oriented life, and a healthy
concern for decorum in all aspects
of life. In this week's lesson Paul
clearly shows how all these fit to-
gether in an authentic Christian
witness.
All Christians will face occasions
when the road ahead seems uncer-
tain and the troubles of the day
formidable. Paul reminds us that we
all have had occasions in the past
when older and more experienced
Christians have recognized our
commitment and our usefulness to
the Church's program. That memory
of acceptance and trust by others
is a deep source of personal strength
when the light temporarily dims.
Christians have not always linked
their personal devotional life with
their civic responsibilities and world
outreach. Such nearsightedness has
often led to sad consequences.
When religious talk is more with
Christians than with non-Christians,
something very alien to true Chris-
tianity has occurred. If Christians are
concerned about "the heathen" in
lands afar and not also with next-
door neighbors who know not the
love and strength of Jesus, some-
thing very distorted has happened;
serious consequences that spell
spiritual disaster soon follow.
Charging through the world with
lances aimed at principles, untem-
pered by timing and propriety, cer-
tain people have, in the name of
the best of causes, wounded people
rather than established truth.
Paul has much to say in this
week's lesson about how the Chris-
tian should go about gaining the
attention of the world as well as
how to keep himself strong and
untarnished in the process.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Public Recognition and Con-
firmation, 1 Tim. 1:18
2.
Relationship Between Faith and
Conscience, 1 Tim. 1:18, 19a
3.
How to Shipwreck Faith, 1 Tim.
1:19
4.
Relating to Civil Powers, 1 Tim.
2:1, 2
5.
Motivation for Missions, 1 Tim.
2:3-6
6.
Men and Women of Faith at
Worship, 1 Tim. 2:8-15
LESSON 3 July 13-19
Tlie CH-RISTIAN'S
WEAPONS
The Christian's Weapons
LESSON 3
Sunday
July 13
Part 1
PUBLIC RECOG-
NITION AND
CONFIRMATION
What was the source of Timothy's continued inspiration?
"This charge I commit to you, Timothy, my son, in accord-
ance with the prophetic utterances which pointed to you, that
inspired by them you may wage the good warfare." 1 Tim.
1:18, RSV.
Every Christian is by definition a witness to Christ. In addi-
tion the church has always recognized that certain persons are
called to a specific work in Christian service. Such recognition
has usually been confirmed by public ordination.
Timothy had a general charge and a specific task that
changed frequently over the years. Paul had sent Timothy to
Ephesus specifically to stabilize the doctrinal foundation in a
time of conflict. See verse 3. While emphasizing the specific
assignment and how to handle it, Paul also reminded Timothy
of his ordination and of the ringing words of support from sea-
soned elders of the church.
Every Christian worker will have occasions when his im-
mediate assignment is difficult and foreboding and the fear of
failure seems crushing. Paul knew all this from experience and
here does for Timothy what he would have been grateful for
during some of his perplexing days. Today the young pastor,
like Timothy, should remember the confidence expressed in
being selected by wise church leaders and realize that such
public sanction was a recognition of basic qualifications for
hard duties. Thus he will often find his courage greatly strength-
ened and his mind cleared for fresh action.
"God foresaw the difficulties that His servants [Paul and
Barnabas] would be called to meet, and, in order that their
work should be above challenge, He instructed the church by
revelation to set them apart publicly to the work of the min-
istry. Their ordination was a public recognition of their divine
appointment to bear to the Gentiles the glad tidings of the
gospel....
"It was an acknowledged form of designation to an ap-
pointed office and a recognition of one's authority in that of-
fice."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 161, 162.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have you fulfilled the expectations of those who had much
confidence in your abilities to serve Jesus in a specific man-
ner? What can you yet do to recover lost opportunities or to
assure yourself and the Lord that you will be prepared for
the next opportunity to lead someone heavenward?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"The Work and the Life," pages 77-83.
24
The Christian's Weapons
LESSON 3
Monday
July 14
Part 2
RELATIONSHIP
BETWEEN
FAITH AND
CONSCIENCE
What are the two weapons that guarantee the Christian's
victory over evil?
"This charge I commit to you, Timothy, my son, . . . that
. . . you may wage the good warfare, holding faith and a
good conscience." 1 Tim. 1:18, 19a, RSV.
Paul states that living, genuine faith and a good conscience
rests firmly on the conviction that God has spoken through
inspired men (verses 18, 19). Faith is not built on human logic
or philosophy; conscience is not safe or consistent if it gets
its directions from human reasoning or feeling.
Conscience enables a person to pass judgment on his own
acts or thoughts, but it acts only according to the light it has.
This inner moral monitor is only as dependable as the stan-
dards it sets up for itself. Thus a conscience can be over-
scrupulous (1 Cor. 10:25) or seared by abuse (1 Tim. 4:2).
The man of faith admits the truth about himself and God
when he confesses that he is the rebel and wants forgiveness.
Those who do not admit themselves to be rebels do not ac-
knowledge Jesus as Lord. Thus their understanding of truth
is profoundly distorted. Such distortion directly affects the
quality of conscience. The conscience can be no sharper and
safer than the information it calls truth.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is
it possible for two people to look at and hear the very
same truth and yet for only one to respond in faith? What
keeps the other person from faith when the information re-
ceived is equal?
"God does not conceal His truth from men. By their own
course of action they make it obscure to themselves. Christ
gave the Jewish people abundant evidence that He was the
Messiah; but His teaching called for a decided change in their
lives. They saw that if they received Christ, they must give up
their cherished maxims and traditions, their selfish, ungodly
practices. It required a sacrifice to receive changeless, eternal
truth. Therefore they would not admit the most conclusive
evidence that God could give to establish faith in Christ."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 105.
It is impossible to have a seared or bad conscience if one
has genuine faith. The conscience of a man of faith may be
immature and need enlightenment (Rom. 14:22, 23); yet it must
not be violated even though it may need education. The man
of faith makes a life habit out of knowing as much about God
and himself as is humanly possible under the help of God. Such
faith is the only guarantee that the conscience is rightly direct-
ing the Christian.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 118-124.
25
The Christian's Weapons
LESSON 3
Tuesday
July 15
Part 3
What erosion usually precedes the collapse of faith?
HOW TO SHIP-
WRECK FAITH
"By rejecting conscience, certain persons have made ship-
wreck of their faith." 1 Tim. 1:19, RSV.
In verse 18 Paul uses the analogy of strategic warfare as
the original language suggests. In verse 19 Paul uses another
graphic metaphor, that of the shipwrecked vessel.
Hymenaeus and Alexander (verse 20) were leaders among
those who were teaching strange doctrine and confusing the
Ephesian church regarding the real aim of the Christian gos-
pel. Paul struck at the heart of the problem when he noted
that the faulty concience precedes a shipwrecked faith.
This sequence is as old as the apostolic church and as fresh
as tomorrow. It is a pity but true that those who "thrust away"
or "reject" a good conscience find things divine less and less
appealing. In fact, justifying excuses pampers the indulged
conscience, and a strange blindness sweeps over the soul until
the blinded one no longer sees or lives in reality.
"The Lord requires us to obey the voice of duty, when
there are other voices all around us urging us to pursue an
opposite course. It requires earnest attention from us to dis-
tinguish the voice which speaks from God. We must resist and
conquer inclination, and obey the voice of conscience without
parleying or compromise, lest its prompting cease and will and
impulse control. The word of the Lord comes to us all who have
not resisted His Spirit by determining not to hear and obey....
"Let no man flatter himself that he is a successful man
unless he preserves the integrity of his conscience, giving
himself wholly to the truth and to
God."—Testimonies,
Vol. 5,
pp. 69, 70.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have you noticed in your own life the subtle connection
between a compromised conscience and a fading faith? Have
you also noticed that peace of mind and heart return only
when you have squared your life habits with the will of God,
regardless of earthly consequences?
Compromise does not always involve gross sins; it may
easily be cloaked with the approval of one's peers. Pride of
education and superior skills, pride of popularity, desire to
please those who are in power—all such unseen drives can
argue a good conscience into a self-serving one. The end of
such compromise is a shipwrecked faith that no longer hears
the voice of God in either the Bible or conscience.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Other Lessons From Seed-sow-
ing," pages 84, 85.
26
The Christian's Weapons
LESSON 3
Wednesday
July 16
Part 4
RELATING TO
CIVIL POWERS
For whom should Christians earnestly pray?
"I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers,
intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; for
kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a
quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty." 1 Tim.
2:1, 2.
In this second chapter Paul begins his specific counsel re-
garding matters that needed emphasis in Ephesus and perhaps
in all the young churches: (1) the importance of intelligent
prayer (verses 1-8); (2) the part women were to take in public
worship (verses 9-15).
When small in numbers and misunderstood, Christians in
any age have found it easy to feel detached from the larger
world about them. But Paul attacked this natural inclination to
withdraw from civic responsibilities. Especially in public wor-
ship, Christians are consciously to recognize their involvement
with all men, high and low. Christianity was to enlighten pro-
vincial attitudes and to strengthen civil cooperation wherever
such could be done in good conscience.
Public prayer was to include petitions, intercessions, and
thanksgiving for all men; all men needed the moral lifting
power of Christians. To pray for another is the first step in
recognizing another's need and how it can be cared for. Inclu-
siveness in public prayer would keep the face of the church
turned toward the world.
But what may have been surprising was Paul's counsel to
pray for Nero and other government leaders who had made life
difficult for the early Christians. If Paul commanded early Chris-
tians to pray for such a despot, surely no leader of any govern-
ment is beyond the circle of Christian sympathy and interces-
sion.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is Paul's reason for prayer offered on behalf of public offi-
cials basically selfish? If not, what would be the desired
result of such prayers?
We are reminded of Paul's counsel in Romans 13. Christians
are not to be known as unpatriotic; that is, they should always
be working to support the common good and not be identified
with any particular political faction.
"We are not required to defy authorities. Our words, whether
spoken or written, should be carefully considered, lest we place
ourselves on record as uttering that which would make us ap-
pear antagonistic to law and order. We are not to say or do
anything that would unnecessarily close up our way."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 69.
FURTHER STUDY
Gospel Workers,
pages 391-396.
27
The Christian's Weapons
LESSON 3
Thursday
July 17
Why should Christians pray for all men everywhere?
"This is good, and it is acceptable in the sight of God our
Savior, who desires all men to be saved and to come to the
knowledge of the truth. For there is one God, and there is
one mediator between God and men, the man Christ Jesus,
who gave himself as a ransom for all." 1 Tim. 2:3-6, RSV.
The instruction already given in this chapter was given
for two reasons: (1) it would reflect how God has always re-
lated to all men; (2) such open concern for the welfare of all
men, regardless of their rank or race, was the only way that
Christians could please God and do His bidding.
Neither prayer nor church activity in general should be lim-
ited to personal interests. The Christian is global in thought
and act; he does not interest himself in only part of mankind
any more than his Lord limited Himself to only a segment of
mankind.
Salvation is not limited by God's willingness but by man's
reluctance "to come to the knowledge of the truth." Coming
to "the knowledge of the truth" is the act of faith. Accepting
"the truth" means that a person recognizes the fact that he
is a sinner, that he needs divine forgiveness and help, that he
finds such in accepting Jesus as the Lord of his life, and that
obedience to truth is hereafter his chief goal in life.
What fundamental fact makes Christianity unique and not
just another useful religion among many others? Verse 5.
Probably the most awesome thought expressed in the history
of man is here reaffirmed by Paul: "There is one God." But
even more than that: "There is one mediator between God and
men, the man Christ Jesus." Other religions have emphasized
monotheism (the oneness of God), but no other religion has
developed the concept of a God-man mediator, historically
manifested.
Can a more beautiful, moving, powerful thought be uttered
and contemplated? God, for man's sake, laid aside the security
of divine rights and became man in order that He could speak
and act in terms that man could understand. Jesus revealed
to mankind how God still thought about sinners and what He
desired to do for them, if they would only be willing to co-
operate with Him.
THINK IT THROUGH
How is the Christian church to convey to the world today
this magnificent truth about God who became Man and make
it convincing? Would merely telling this story be enough?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons, "The Lord's Vineyard,"
pages 300-
306.
28
Part 5
MOTIVATION
FOR MISSIONS
"And without controversy great is
the mystery of godliness: God was
manifest in the flesh, justified in the
Spirit, seen of angels, preached unto
the Gentiles, believed on in the
world, received up into glory."
1 Tim. 3:16.
Among Paul's concerns as he
wrote to Timothy was efficient lead-
ership in the young Christian com-
munities. In other letters that Paul
had written (Rom. 12:1-8, e.g.), he
had made clear that the spirit and
principles of Christian leadership
are vastly different from those that
govern the leaders of secular insti-
tutions. For the Christian, leader-
ship is not a matter of status but of
service. How different from the re-
lations that prevail between leaders
and followers in the army or in a
great corporation!
Within a century and a half after
Paul's death a terrible misunder-
standing regarding the authority of
ecclesiastical office had been estab-
lished. Because of this tragedy mil-
lions were destined to suffer and die
in the centuries that followed. As a
result, authentic Christianity nearly
vanished from the earth.
Paul's specifications for the selec-
tion of leaders, as set forth in this
week's lesson, stress the leader's
personal example and positive spir-
itual image. Executive ability alone
does not qualify a man to be a re-
sponsible Christian leader. Knowing
human nature as he did, Paul fore-
saw the danger that love of position
and power would lead men to con-
clude—consciously or unconsciously
—that office makes a man holy and
right, that it guarantees correct
belief.
Another unfortunate misconcep-
tion is that one church office is in-
herently superior to another, and
that it confers greater holiness to
the one who holds the higher offices.
In Paul's instruction to Timothy
he stresses the New Testament prin-
ciple of faith-fellowship, not the
traditional misconception of dogma-
institution. The church is not a build-
ing, nor an institution, but a fellow-
ship of men of faith who reveal the
truth about life. They demonstrate
the superiority and winsomeness of
the God-directed life, and they are
reliving before the world God's
message in Jesus—that truth is not
merely a matter of knowing the will
of God, but of doing it.
Only Christlike leaders of the
Christian community can rightly
represent the One who said, "I am
... the truth." Only irreproachable
believers of integrity can be pillars
and bulwarks of the truth. The gates
of hell, Christ said, would never be
able to prevail against that kind of
church.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Household of God, 1 Tim.
3:14, 15
2.
The Mystery of Our Religion,
1 Tim. 3:16
3.
The Elder-1, 1 Tim. 3:2, 3
4.
The Elder-2, 1 Tim. 3:4, 5
5.
The Deacon-1, 1 Tim. 3:8-10
6.
The Deacon-2, 1 Tim. 3:12, 13
Credentials for Church Leadership
LESSON 4
Sunday
July 20
.
Part 1
THE HOUSE-
HOLD OF GOD
What was Paul's chief reason for writing to Timothy?
"I hope to come to you soon, but I am writing these in-
structions to you so that, if I am delayed, you may know how
one ought to behave in the household of God, which is the
church of the living God, the pillar and bulwark of the truth."
1 Tim. 3:14, 15,115V.
Here Paul gives his reason for writing not only the specific
instructions regarding elders and deacons but also the gen-
eral summary of his important teachings that we now call
1 Timothy.
Paul planned to visit Timothy in Ephesus soon. But knowing
the uncertainty of travel and other hazards, Paul wanted to be
certain that Timothy had in his hands authoritative guidelines
for the organization of the Ephesians into a model church for
Asia Minor. Every church since has had the privilege of check-
ing its own procedures against the inspired instruction given by
Paul.
The church is not a human institution even though it must
be humanly administered. This fact has been hard to remember
for many innovators throughout the history of the church. Even
though the church is a living fellowship, organized by and for
the general welfare of its members, it is also the "pillar and
bulwark of the truth."
What relationship exists between the behavior of Chris-
tians and the fact that they are to function as the "pillar and
bulwark of the truth"? Verse 15.
Worshiping and representing a living God requires a living
dynamic faith that is easily distinguished from the anxious, self-
indulging men and women living without Christ. The Christian
church has more assigned to it than merely to proclaim infor-
mation—even if that information were without error. To be
the "bulwark" or the buttress of the truth means that truth is
believable only when the lives of the professing church mem-
bers back up and clearly give visible structure to the word
that is preached.
The central truth of the gospel is that God is able (Jude 24)
to keep Christians from sin. Paul proclaims that "we are more
than conquerors through him that loved us." Rom. 8:37.
Only when Christians reveal this power and manifest God's
purposes will God be rightly represented and vindicated.
THINK IT THROUGH
What relationship is there between a clear, living witness
to the truth about the living God and the end of the world?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"First the Blade, Then the Ear,"
pages 62-69.
32
Credentials for Church Leadership
LESSON 4
Monday
July 21
Part 2
THE MYSTERY
OF OUR
RELIGION
What is the great mystery of the universe that could be
made known only through revelation?
"Great indeed, we confess, is the mystery of our religion:
He was manifested in the flesh,
vindicated in the Spirit, seen by angels,
preached among the nations,
believed on in the world, taken up in glory."
1 Tim. 3:16, RSV.
Why does Paul call Christianity a mystery?
In the New Testament frequent references are made to the
mysteries of certain aspects of the gospel and to the gospel
generally. See Rom. 16:25; 1 Cor. 2:7; Eph. 3:3, 4. But mystery
is not used here to suggest that something is covered up and
kept secret. Although Paul uses "mystery" often, he always
refers to divinely revealed truth that God wants all men to know.
It is a mystery in the sense that it could be known in no other
way than by God's revelation.
How else, except through revelation, could anyone under-
stand the incarnation of Jesus or His resurrection?
The greatness that Paul stresses is not the mysterious nature
of the gospel but its importance, its earthshaking possibilities.
Any genuine Christian reading Paul's letter would quickly say
Amen!
THINK IT THROUGH
Would you confess with Paul that the central fact and
inspiration of your personal understanding of the gospel is
the incarnation of Jesus? How would you answer the ques-
tion: What is the great uniqueness of the Christian religion?
In verse 9 Paul emphasizes that church officers must pos-
sess "the mystery of faith with a clear conscience." In verse
16 he discloses the grounds for faith, the substance that faith
believes, "the mystery of our religion."
Six tremendous facts (verse 16) about Jesus, God who be-
came man, provide the reason Christians have hope for the fu-
ture, an endless resource to love in spite of provocation, and a
life-style that reverses the degeneration of the human race.
That God became man is the most stimulating, most refresh-
ing, most thoroughly unique statement ever uttered by man.
The tragedy is that the Christian church has been most respon-
sible over the years for diluting the meaning of the incarnation
by not recognizing that He became truly man. By fearing to
suggest that the Holy God should know the tug of temptation,
they have minimized His actual feat of being the first man to
live without sin.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 252-256.
33
Credentials for Church Leadership
LESSON 4
Tuesday
July 22
Part 3
What high standards were to guide the church in the selec-
THE ELDER-1
tion of its leaders?
"A bishop then must be blameless, the husband of one
wife, vigilant, sober, of good behaviour, given to hospitality,
apt to teach; not given to wine, no striker, not greedy of
filthy lucre; but patient, not a brawler, not covetous." 1 Tim.
3:2, 3.
The word "bishop" is the translation for the Greek word
that literally means "overseer"; in the New Testament this
word and another translated "elder" are used interchangeably,
one referring to the scope of his work and the other to the dig-
nity that befits such a leader.
The emphasis on the leader's irreproachable character as
known among people outside the church as well as by fellow
Christians is placed in proper perspective. The word "must" is
strongly emphasized in the Greek as it should be. By the very
nature of the case, Christian leaders
must
be living illustrations
of the truth they profess to teach, not only for the sake of the
community in general but also as a model for fellow members.
Also interesting in Paul's requirements of the elder is that
there is nothing about this list, except perhaps "apt to teach,"
that is any different from that expected of all church members.
Paul does not recognize two spiritual divisions within the
church: first-class being the clergy, and second-class, the
laity.
"Husband of one wife" means that the church leader must
be a man who is irreproachable in the area of sexual conduct.
Although marital fidelity was taken very lightly in Paul's day,
this instruction has never grown out-of-date. Perhaps it is
needed to be said today as much as Paul needed to say it then.
"Vigilant" means literally, "an abstainer from wine." The
elder should refrain from all that is harmful and use all else
judiciously.
"Sober" suggests prudence; every church needs sound-
minded leaders who can detect imbalance and fanaticism on
one hand and devious liberalism on the other.
"Good behaviour" calls for leaders who are true Christian
gentlemen. They exhibit a fitness and propriety that, sum up
the previously mentioned traits.
"Apt to teach" does not mean merely that the elder should
be willing to teach but that he be able to teach with a certain
measure of skill.
THINK IT THROUGH
Paul lists five negatives that must not be a part of the
leader's reputation or character. Is there often a correlation
between some or all five of these negative characteristics?
34
Credentials for Church Leadership
LESSON 4
Wednesday
July 23
Part 4
How closely do a leader's children affect his church work?
THE ELDER-2
"He must manage his own household well, keeping his
children submissive and respectful in every way; for if a man
does not know how to manage his own household, how can
he care for God's church?" 1 Tim. 3:4, 5, RSV.
For two reasons ill-mannered children are a liability to a
church leader, whether he be a minister or local elder; they
are a poor exhibit of the power of Christianity, and they give
evidence that the father is incompetent for church leadership.
Paul is using the argument of the less to the greater—if a man
fails in a smaller task (that of managing his own family), he is
incapable of successfully managing the many families that
compose a local congregation.
Although a man may possess all the other qualities that
Paul lists, a recent convert or a hopeful beginner should not
be elevated to important church responsibilities. Age is not
Paul's point; spiritual maturity is.
What are some of the dangers that may overtake a man
who has been prematurely placed in a position of heavy re-
sponsibility? Verse 6.
Paul mentions how subtle conceit may be, even in a man of
good intentions. Pride loses perspective; the affected one
makes hasty decisions, not realizing the implications of the
problem. The ability to listen to others is not a mark of a proud
man or of many inexperienced men. Falling into the same con-
demnation that Satan has received may sound harsh, but Paul
was realistic.
In determining the qualifications of church leaders, how
high a premium should be placed on the opinion of persons
outside the church? Verse 7.
Again Paul uses the strong emphasis in the Greek: "He must
be well thought of by outsiders." RSV. The potential church
leader should enjoy a favorable reputation. Apparently, he
should be someone who is already recognized as a man of
integrity in his community.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have you ever heard that a member was put into leader-
ship in order to encourage him, showing that the church was
interested in him? Why might this be a disaster for that
person?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 249-251.
35
3-A.Q. 3-75
Credentials for Church Leadership
LESSON 4
Thursday
July 24
Part 5
How does Paul describe the qualities expected of a dea-
THE DEACON-1
con?
"Deacons likewise must be serious, not double-tongued,
not addicted to much wine, not greedy for gain; they must
hold the mystery of the faith with a clear conscience. And
let them also be tested first; then if they prove themselves
blameless let them serve as deacons." 1 Tim. 3:8-10, RSV.
The precise nature of the deacon's responsibility is not
made clear in the New Testament, and about all we know is
found in the above text and Philippians 1:1. In Rom. 16:1 refer-
ence is made to a woman called a deaconess. (See RSV.)
Although the seven men, including Stephen, who were ap-
pointed to aid widows in the Jerusalem church (Acts 6) were
not called deacons, it seems that their great assistance in re-
lieving the apostles for preaching caused early leaders like
Paul to think seriously about such a group in every church.
About the only difference between the qualifications for the
deacon and the elder is that the deacons are not expected to
be especially trained as official teachers of the church. Paul
expected the same spiritual and moral standards to be upheld
by both levels of leadership.
Being double-tongued is a serious problem for anyone, but
it is a grave problem indeed for someone who has the respon-
sibility of making the rounds of visitation as expected of a
deacon or an elder. They would hear much that would require
careful discernment; instead of a peacemaker, a double-
tongued leader would be a troublemaker.
The warning against greed does not indicate that money-
making is evil. It is a warning against dishonorable gain such
as tripped up Judas as he handled the disciples' funds. The
deacon in his personal business should plan to be successful,
but it should be earned honestly. Certainly the deacon should
not use his office for personal gain, even though he might not
do anything legally dishonest.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why does Paul again join faith and conscience? Is it be-
cause Paul demands more than "a good conscience"? Can a
person have a good conscience and do some very bad acts?
Every potential candidate for church office should ask him-
self whether his conscience can approve his life-style when
compared with the expectations of God's will.
As for the elder, so with the deacon—no one should be
hurried into church office. There must be a record of mature
Christian living. Church offices were not made so that the
careless may be given a chance to prove themselves.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 437-439.
36
Credentials for Church Leadership
LESSON 4
Friday
July 25
Part 6
What are the legitimate rewards for those who serve well
THE DEACON-2
in church office?
"Let deacons be married only once, and let them manage
their children and their households well; for those who serve
well as deacons gain a good standing for themselves and also
great confidence in the faith which is in Christ Jesus." 1 Tim.
3:12, 13, RSV.
Again, as with the elders (verse 2), Paul places a high pre-
mium on a deacon's marital fidelity and his ability to manage
his own household. All Christians should be faithful to their
marital vows; if there is reason to question, that person should
never be appointed a deacon or an elder.
Apparently Paul feels that ill-tempered, disobedient chil-
dren are sufficient evidence that a man, in spite of other ex-
ecutive abilities, is disqualified to assume the function of a
church leader.
THINK IT THROUGH
What satisfactions and compensations await a church offi-
cer who performs his duties conscientiously?
Certainly men and women who do their church duties faith-
fully will enjoy the respect and confidence of their fellow
church members. More than that, their commitment will be
noticed by people outside the church and could become an
avenue of blessing to such.
More than the well-deserved commendation and respect of
others is the church worker's growing confidence in his Lord's
guidance. He knows that without the assurance of his Lord's
care and power many would be the occasions for 'defeat and
discouragement. Nothing prepares a man for largertasks more
than the settled confidence that God is always able to provide
the wisdom and strength needed, regardless of the duty as-
signed. Developing such boldness of faith is the highest form
of compensation that any Christian could hope for.
"The humble worker who obediently responds to the call of
God may be sure of receiving divine assistance. To accept
so great and holy a responsibility is itself elevating to the
character. It calls into action the highest mental and spiritual
powers, and strengthens and purifies the mind and heart.
Through faith in the power of God, it is wonderful how strong
a weak man may become, how decided his efforts, how prolific
of great results. . .. The more one tries to explain the word of
God to others, with a love for souls, the plainer it becomes to
himself. The more we use our knowledge and exercise our
powers, the more knowledge and power we shall have."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 354.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Talents," pages 360-365.
37
3—A.Q. 3-75
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto
the doctrine; continue in them: for
in doing this thou shalt both save
thyself, and them that hear thee."
1 Tim. 4:16.
Paul's emphasis in this week's
lesson is on quality people who
alone are able to proclaim the good
news about God to man. This kind
of quality is the result of faith—man
cooperating with God, who has
promised to supply all that is needed
in order to restore in man the long-
besmirched image of his Maker.
Such Christians know by personal
experience that Jesus not only saves
man from the penalty of sin but also
from its power.
But such an experience does not
passively presume that there is noth-
ing for man to do in the develop-
ment of this quality people. Paul
never tires of repeated reference to
toiling and striving. But he knows
that the strength to strive, the power
to overcome, comes not from within
man's resources but from the em-
powering Spirit of God. The man of
faith lives a grateful life, knowing
that the peace he possesses and the
victories won are all from the God
who has promised to keep him from
falling. See Jude 24.
God waits for that generation who
will grasp this thought and live its
truth: Men and women can live
without sinning even as Jesus lived
without sinning; men and women
can so live that God can without
embarrassment point them out as
those who "keep the command-
ments of God, and the faith of
Jesus." Rev. 14:12.
They will have learned well Paul's
admonition: "Take heed to yourself
and to your teaching; hold to that,
for by so doing you will save both
yourself and your hearers." 1 Tim.
4:16, RSV.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Departure From Doctrinal In-
tegrity, 1 Tim. 4:1-3
2.
Portrait of a Good Leader, 1 Tim.
4:6
3.
Christian Discipline, 1 Tim.
4:7, 8
4.
Setting the Example, 1 Tim.
4:11, 12
5.
Skill in Public Performance,
1 Tim. 4:13-15
6.
The Greatest Sermon, 1 Tim.
4:16
LESSON 5 July 27-August 2
PREPARATION FOR
MODEL LEADERS
Preparation for Model Leaders
LESSON 5
Sunday
July 27
Part 1
DEPARTURE
FROM
DOCTRINAL
INTEGRITY
What special apostasies within the Christian church were
predicted by Paul?
"Now the Spirit expressly says that in later times some
will depart from the faith by giving heed to deceitful spirits
and doctrines of demons, through the pretensions of liars
whose consciences are seared, who forbid marriage and en-
join abstinence from foods which God created to be received
with thanksgiving by those who believe and know the truth."
1 Tim. 4:1-3, RSV.
"Later times" means in the days to follow, and does not
especially refer to the last days. In the previous three chapters
Paul has emphasized that one of the chief responsibilities of
church leadership is to guard the sacred truth as first pro-
claimed by the apostles. But, even with such watchfulness,
apostasies would occur.
When Paul left Ephesus some years before writing this
letter to Timothy (now at Ephesus), what were some of his
warnings? Acts 20:29, 30.
Paul here is more explicit regarding these leaders of deceit
and some of their false doctrines. They sail under false colors,
giving the impression that they are the most loyal to the
church's mission and that what they teach is the deeper mean-
ing of what the church has always believed, et cetera.
Sad but true, a person's conscience can become so seared
by rationalization and habit that all sensitivity to the voice of
the Holy Spirit is lost.
Some of these devilish doctrines that would appear logical,
and in a strange way desirable in attaining Christian goals,
were in the area of asceticism, a visible form of self-denial.
Self-denial was central to Christian thought, and any promotion
to encourage a person's self-denial seemed praiseworthy.
But in compulsory celibacy and programmed fasting from
certain foods a strange spirit entered the church. Nowhere in
the Bible is marriage condemned. In fact in chapter 3, Paul
declared it proper for church elders and deacons to be faithful
husbands and the heads of godly families. Likewise, nowhere
is abstinence from food suggested as a means of developing
character. The only prohibition of foods in the Bible (Lev. 11;
Deut. 14) refers to unclean foods, and such food was never
"created to be received with thanksgiving."
THINK IT THROUGH
What other ways can you think of that Christians have
devised whereby through self-denial or even self-affliction
they have sought the praise of men and the pleasure of God?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 257, 258.
40
Preparation for Model Leaders
LESSON 5
Monday
July 28
Part 2
What particular characteristics distinguish a good church
PORTRAIT OF
leader?
A GOOD LEADER
"If thou put the brethren in remembrance of these things,
thou shalt be a good minister of Jesus Christ, nourished up
in the words of faith and of good doctrine, whereunto thou
Nast attained." 1 Tim. 4:6.
The reference to a "good minister" does not necessarily
mean a clergyman; in fact, any church member who jealously
guards the truths of Christianity from the false teachings that
so easily creep in would be a "good minister of Jesus Christ."
What is at stake is how men are saved and how God dis-
poses of the sin problem. The evil one will do anything to keep
this issue confused, especially in the church. The essence of
genuine faith is that men recognize Jesus to be man's Saviour
and Example, that there is no good thing that man can do by
his own effort without the empowering Spirit of God, and that
God's goal for the Christian is to develop a character like his
Lord's. Genuine faith and correct doctrine are two sides of
the same coin.
Christianity is more than accepting a list of doctrines. If it
were only this, the best Christians would be those with the
sharpest intellect.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what way did Paul make clear that there is more to
Christianity than memorizing good doctrine?
"It is not enough for us to believe that Jesus is not an
impostor, and that the religion of the Bible is no cunningly de-
vised fable. We may believe that the name of Jesus is the
only name under heaven whereby man may be saved, and yet
we may not through faith make Him our personal Saviour. It
is not enough to believe the theory of truth. It is not enough
to make a profession of faith in Christ and have our names
registered on the church roll. . . . Whatever our profession, it
amounts to nothing unless Christ is revealed in works of righ-
teousness."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
pages 312, 313.
Genuine faith, Paul's theme here and elsewhere, is con-
cerned about man's relationship with God. Aware of how
subtle pride is, the man of faith takes no credit for his good
deeds.
"The faith that is unto salvation is not a casual faith, it is
not the mere consent of the intellect, it is belief rooted in the
heart, that embraces Christ as a personal Saviour, assured
that He can save unto the uttermost all that come unto God
by
Him."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 391.
FURTHER STUDY
Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, pp. 389-398.
41
Preparation for Model Leaders
LESSON 5
Tuesday
July 29
Part 3
CHRISTIAN
DISCIPLINE
What kind of discipline is necessary for Christian growth?
"Train yourself in godliness; for while bodily training is
of some value, godliness is of value in every way, as it holds
promise for the present life and also for the life to come."
1 Tim. 4:7, 8, RSV.
The striving of the false teachers and the pretentious liars
was worse than useless—it led to a false sense of security and
a self-centered character that misrepresented Christianity.
There is a kind of physical exercise that is useful, Paul says
—the kind that builds up health and provides the best possible
condition for the spiritual man to grow.
But Paul is more concerned about the discipline that the
Christian applies to his attitudes, habits, and desires. The
genuine Christian concentrates on those habit patterns that
are fitting him to live with the redeemed forever.
"We can never be saved in indolence and inactivity. There
is no such thing as a truly converted person living a helpless,
useless life. It is not possible for us to drift into heaven. No
sluggard can enter there. If we do not strive to gain an en-
trance into the kingdom, if we do not seek earnestly to learn
what constitutes its laws, we are not fitted for a part in it. Those
who refuse to co-operate with God on earth would not co-oper-
ate with Him in heaven. It would not be safe to take them to
heaven."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 280.
How does Paul vouch for the rewards of godliness in the
present life? Verse 9.
What is one of the chief motivations that spurs on the
faithful Christian worker? Verse 10.
THINK IT THROUGH
In what sense can it be said that the Christian is to "make
the best" of both worlds? List the differences between the
Christian's life-style and that of the worldling. Can it
be
said
that, even if there were not a heaven to come, the Christian
does not forfeit the best things of this life and enjoys them
more than the worldling?
FURTHER STUDY
42
Godliness does have value in this life; it may or may not
accompany prosperity, but its blessings are worth more than
a rich man's fortune. What lies ahead when Jesus sets up His
kingdom is beyond man's imagination, but the reality of such
promises is as sure as the promises that have been fulfilled
in the present life.
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 497-502.
Preparation for Model Leaders
LESSON 5
Thursday
July 31
Part 5
SKILL IN PUBLIC
PERFORMANCE
What high premium did Paul place on the Christian lead-
er's performance in public?
"Till I come, attend to the public reading of scripture,
to preaching, to teaching. Do not neglect the gift you have,
which was given you by prophetic utterance when the elders
laid their hands upon you. Practice these duties, devote your-
self to them, so that all may see your progress." 1 Tim. 4:13-
15, RSV.
Although Paul turns specifically to the public work that
constitutes
-
the major task of a Christian preacher, his counsel
should be considered by
anyone who is called to lead out in a
public meeting.
Preaching, teaching, and reading the Scriptures is a diffi-
cult art and must be practiced. The novice, or one who has
little idea of the sacredness of his work, considers sincerity
to be enough. How sad, for their sake and for the many who
have a right to hear the gospel given in a clear, meaningful
manner.
"The man who accepts the position of being mouthpiece
for God should consider it highly essential that he present the
truth with all the grace and intelligence he can, that the truth
may lose nothing in his presentation of it to the people. Those
who consider it a little thing to speak with an imperfect utter-
ance dishonor
God."—Evangelism,
page 665.
Reading the Scriptures in public is no easy task and should
be done only after practice and in such a way that will "charm
the
hearers."—Evangelism,
page 666.
"The science of reading correctly and with the proper em-
phasis, is of highest value.' No matter how much knowledge
you may have acquired in other lines, if you have neglected to
cultivate your voice and manner of speech so that you can
speak and read distinctly and intelligently, all your learning
will be of but little profit; for without voice culture you can-
not communicate readily and clearly that which you have
learned....
"The tones of the voice have much to do in affecting the
hearts of those that
hear."—Evangelism,
pages 666, 667.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is more important—what is said or how it is said?
Upon whom is the greater responsibility when the listener
doesn't understand or is offended by what is said?
"The manner in which the truth is presented often has much
to do in determining whether it will be accepted or rejected."
—Testimonies,
Vol. 4, p. 404.
FURTHER STUDY
Evangelism,
pages 174-180.
44
Preparation for Model Leaders
LESSON 5
Friday
August I
Part 6
What relationship exists between the Christian's character
THE GREATEST
and the doctrine he believes and shares?
SERMON
"Take heed unto thyself, and unto the doctrine; continue
in them: for in doing this thou shalt both save thyself, and
them that hear thee." 1 Tim. 4:16.
The genuine Christian first prepares himself before he tries
to convince others. He is his greatest sermon. The effective-
ness of Christianity rests not on brilliant theological reasoning
but on the disarming gracefulness, forbearance, and integrity
of its representatives.
God is waiting for a generation who will take Paul's counsel
seriously. The doctrine is very important; without it Christian
conviction melts into personal feeling that shifts with the cir-
cumstances. But doctrine without a demonstration misrepre-
sents the Lord of the doctrine.
The Bible is a light only when it is translated into living
color in the lives of genuine Christians. "Through the Holy
Spirit, God's word is a light as it becomes a transforming power
in the life of the receiver. By implanting in their hearts the
principles of His word, the Holy Spirit develops in men the
attributes of God. The light of His glory—His character—is to
shine forth in His followers."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page
414.
The Greek indicates that Paul is not prodding Timothy into
more exactitude in his personal development or in pastoral
skills. "Keep on taking heed" would be a better translation.
THINK IT THROUGH
If God alone saves, why does Paul tell Timothy that by
constant improvement he will save both himself and his
hearers?
"'Thyself' needs the first attention. First give yourself to
the Lord for purification and sanctification. A godly example
will tell more for the truth than the greatest eloquence, unac-
companied by a well-ordered life. Trim the lamp of the soul,
and replenish it with the oil of the Spirit....
" 'Take heed,' first to yourself, and then to the doctrine.
Do not let your heart become hardened by sin. Closely ex-
amine your manners and habits. Compare them with the word
of God, and then cut away from the life every wrong habit and
indulgence. Kneel before God, and plead with Him for an un-
derstanding of His word. Be sure that you know the real prin-
ciples of the truth; and then when you meet opponents, it will
not be in your own strength; an angel of God will stand by
your side, to help in answering every question that may be
asked."—Gospel
Workers,
pages 104, 105.
FURTHER STUDY
Gospel Workers,
pages 124-132.
45
"These things teach and exhort."
1 Tim. 6:2.
It
is simply amazing how Paul kept
the total picture in balance. Yet
when we remember that he was an
inspired writer, we recognize the
true Source of this balance. He could
range the heavens with profound
theology and make its application
in easy-to-grasp lessons so that the
simplest could understand God's
will for him. All the while he kept
his eye on the mechanics of a well-
operating community of saints, per-
ceived areas of tension, and forth-
rightly ordered procedures that
would have caused endless contro-
versy if authority had not been ex-
ercised from the beginning. Just how
many today would have foreseen the
problems arising within a sensitive
congregation that felt certain re-
sponsibilities for widows but not
really knowing how much respon-
sibility was proper? Or the special
target church elders would become
when jealous members decided to
"hurt" them in some way?
In its work, the Christian congre-
gation faces both the world without
and the needs within. Every con-
gregation is composed of many who
are new in the Christian walk; they
may lack knowledge as well as ex-
perience. Some members grow
faster than others. Yet all may want
to make a contribution to the on-
going life of the local church. A
manual is needed to avoid unneces-
sary misunderstanding, and for this
reason Paul wrote out these specific
instructions to Timothy and for
the church at large.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Basic Human Relationships,
1 Tim. 5:1, 2
2.
Responsibility to "Real" Wid-
ows, 1 Tim. 5:3-10
3.
Guidelines for Young Widows,
1 Tim. 5:11-15
4.
Respect for Church Leaders,
1 Tim. 5:17, 18
5.
Impartial Justice, 1 Tim. 5:20
6.
Truth Will Always Be Revealed,
1 Tim. 5:24, 25
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How to Keep the Faith
LESSON 7
Sunday
August 10
Part 1
MORBID CRAV-
ING FOR
CONTROVERSY
What reason does Paul give for some rejecting the gospel
and craving religious controversy?
"If any one teaches otherwise and does not agree with
the sound words of our Lord Jesus Christ and the teaching
which accords with godliness, he is puffed up with conceit, he
knows nothing; he has a morbid craving for controversy and
for disputes about words, which produce envy, dissension,
slander, base suspicions." 1 Tim. 6:3, 4, RSV.
Paul chose his words carefully and boldly. The first motive
which he ascribed to those in the church who teach contrary
to "sound doctrine" (as measured by the "words of our Lord"
and apostolic teaching "which accords with godliness") is
vanity, conceit, and pride. In fact, such a person is not only
conceited, he is really ignorant concerning what he thinks he
knows most about. He has missed the whole point of the life
of faith.
Paul was not only talking about heretics, for there have
always been those within the church who have put more em-
phasis on word battles than on Christlike living. Correct doc-
trine is intended to lead to a godly life. If doctrinal disputes,
about even correct doctrine, take precedence over godly liv-
ing, then the doctrine is misused, and the disputes are afflicted
with a spiritually dangerous and sometimes fatal disease.
But Paul did not here depreciate diligent study and the
need to keep the doctrine pure as the years go by. Often the
need would arise for true soldiers of faith to dispute, in a
Christlike manner, with those who may be improperly handling
the "sound words of our Lord."
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the final test that determines whether a person
has the truth?
"A
profession of faith and the possession of truth in the
soul are two different things. The mere knowledge of truth is
not enough. We may possess this, but the tenor of our thoughts
may not be changed. The heart must be converted and sancti-
fied."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 97.
The tragedy set forth in the parable of the bridegroom
(Matthew 25) is that the five foolish bridesmaids were not lost
because they did not know the facts about the advent and the
kind of people their Lord was waiting for. On the contrary,
they possessed the lamp of doctrine even as the five wise—but
the five wise allowed the lamp to be the instrument whereby
the light of truth was reflected in their lives. The five foolish
made the lamp of doctrine into an end in itself.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 3, pp. 570-575.
56
"Show yourself in all respects a
model of good deeds, and in your
teaching show integrity, gravity, and
sound speech that cannot be cen-
sured." Titus 2:7, 8a, RSV.
The letter to Titus was written
before the second letter to Timothy,
probably between Paul's first and
second imprisonments at Rome,
about A.D. 65.
Titus, like Timothy, had earned
Paul's confidence over the years. In
fact, Paul was very grateful for Titus's
troubleshooting at the time when
the future of the Corinth congrega-
tion seemed to be in the balance.
See 2 Cor. 2:13; 7:6, 7, 13-16;
8:16, 17.
Titus's assignment on Crete was
similar to Timothy's at Ephesus; thus
there is a similarity in counsel. If
there were differences, the record
suggests that Timothy was more
soft, reticent, and gentle; while Titus
seems to be more energetic and
decisive. Both were models of Chrisi
tian behavior, Paul calling each of
them his true child in the faith.
Both Titus and. Timothy were to
strengthen the work of organization
begun by Paul, leave the church in
the hands of responsible,
elders
(verse 5), and move on to the next
area that required their expertise.
As in the Timothy letters, Paul's
instructions emphasized the indis-
soluble triple theme: sound church -
organization, sound doctrine, sound
living. There is a logical order about
these subjects, and Paul develops
them essentially in this order in
this letter to Titus.
Some of the most beautiful pas-
sages in the New Testament are
found in this letter to Titus—a per-
fect blend of theology and practical
counsel. Whenever these two ele-
ments have been separated, the
church has entered hard times.
'LESSON OUTLINE
1. Godliness: The End of Faith and
Doctrine, Titus 1:1-4
How to Refute Error, Titus
1:9,10
The Psychology of Truth and
Error, Titus 1:15,1
.
6
/4.
Living a Life That Honors Truth
—1,
Titus 2:1-3
1.
Living a Life That Honors Truth
—2,
Titus 2:4-6
Living Models of God's Way,
Titus 2:7, 8,10
Making Character a Credit to Doctrine
LESSON 8
Monday
August 18
Part 2
HOW TO
REFUTE ERROR
How is error to be met in the Christian church?
"He [the bishop] must hold firm to the sure word as taught,
so that he may be able to give instruction in sound doctrine
and also to confute those who contradict it. For there are
many insubordinate men, empty talkers and deceivers . . . ;
they must be silenced." Titus 1:9, 10, RSV.
Here Paul amplifies what he had said regarding elders in
Timothy's instruction, that is, "apt to teach." 1 Tim. 3:2. In addi-
tion to a character beyond reproach, the elder should be rec-
ognized for his intellectual grasp of the gospel and the chief
arguments against the gospel.
"Some think that an education or a thorough knowledge of
the Scriptures is of little consequence if only a man has the
Spirit. But God never sends His Spirit to sanction ignorance."
—Gospel Workers,
pages 105, 106.
Paul is here concerned, not about open and free discussion
which has always been the atmosphere in which the church
has flourished best, but about deceivers whose end product is
not godliness. Differences of opinion there will always be.
Those who must be silenced are those whose teachings lead
to lowered ethical standards and worldly accommodation.
The most effective method to silence such disrupters who
would tailor the church after their own image is to let truth
be seen in its simplicity and adequacy. The authority of truth
is far more impressive than the authority of mere office.
"We are on dangerous ground when we cannot meet to-
gether like Christians, and courteously examine 'controverted
points. I feel like fleeing from the place lest I receive the mold
of those who cannot candidly investigate the doctrines of the
Bible.
"Those who cannot impartially examine the evidences of a
position that differs from theirs, are not fit to teach in any de-
partment of God's
cause."—Selected Messages,
Bk. 1, p. 411.
What is the objective of such forthright refuting? Verse 13.
All church discipline is aimed at the restoration of the de-
linquent members to fellowship.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the best way to silence those who disagree with
me? Is the quickest way the best? Why?
65
Making Character a Credit to Doctrine
LESSON 8
Wednesday
August 20
Part 4
LIVING A LIFE
THAT HONORS
TRUTH-1
How does Paul connect doctrine and behavior?
"But speak thou the things which become sound doctrine:
that the aged men be sober, grave, temperate, sound in faith,
in charity, and in patience. The aged women likewise, that
they be in behaviour as becometh holiness, not false accusers,
not given to much wine, teachers of good things." Titus 2:1-3.
Paul never tires of this theme that is stressed many times
in his letters to Timothy and Titus—the truth of the gospel will
refine a person, both in character and in the externals that
reveal his character.
"The truth should be presented in a manner which will make
it attractive to the intelligent mind. . . . How important that
the cause of truth be stripped of everything like a false and
fanatical excitement, that the truth may stand upon its own
merits, revealing its native purity and exalted character.
"The truth of God will never degrade but will elevate the
receiver, refine his taste, sanctify his judgment, and perfect him
for the company of the pure and holy angels in the kingdom
of
God."—Testimonies,
Vol. 1, pp. 414, 415.
Older men and women in the congregation are here given
specific counsel. Paul chooses his words carefully. "Temper-
ate," for example, is a translation of a Greek word that means
self-mastery. Excess, although not to be condoned, may be
understood easier when observed in youth. But adult Christians
give evidence of their real maturity when they consistently
exhibit self-control in physical, mental, and emotional behavior.
Older women are specifically counselled to be examples of
reverent behavior, as befitting sacred persons (as the Greek
clearly states). Such recognition of women was a new day in
the world and provided the basis for the elevation of woman-
hood by the Christian church as time passed.
Christian women, whose children may be grown, have a sec-
ond responsibility almost as great—the training by example
and precept of the young women in the church.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does my dress, my speech, my home, my choice of TV
programs and books, et cetera, reflect the quality of the
truth that I profess?
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 493-496.
67
Making Character a Credit to Doctrine
LESSON 8
Thursday
August 21
Part 5
LIVING A LIFE
THAT HONORS
TRUTH-2
What special counsel does Paul give young women and
men?
"Train the young women to love their husbands and chil-
dren, to be sensible, chaste, domestic, kind, and submissive
to their husbands, that the word of God may not be dis-
credited. Likewise urge the younger men to control them-
selves." Titus 2:4-6, RSV.
An interesting feature of Paul's counsel is that he delegates
to the older women in the church, not to Titus, the task of train-
ing the young women. Male counsel might be helpful to a de-
gree, but genuine Christian women older in years should be
the most effective in helping young women establish their
homes so that they are a credit to the church in the commu-
nity.
The young married women should be devoted to their hus-
bands and children. Some will have great difficulty understand-
ing Paul's counsel, thinking that such an appeal for domestic
leadership would be restricting their rights as persons. But
Paul's words here have often been understood only after great
regret.
The attribute, "domestic," emphasizes the high stress placed
on the wife and mother as the queen of the home. Proverbs 31
comes to mind.
Paul's fullest presentation regarding the relationship of
Christian wife and husband is found in Ephesians 5:22, 23; he
wants no mistake made—Christianity does not alter the mar-
riage relationship—only enhances it.
Paul's counsel to younger men seems brief, but not so when
we think of the extended counsel to Titus and to Timothy who
were to be living models for young men in their churches.
Self-mastery is the goal set for all; the sooner it is learned, the
happier that person will be.
THINK IT THROUGH
How much care do I devote to finding self-mastery? Am I
more often the solution seeker or the problem maker when
something goes wrong at home or work?
"Forbearance and unselfishness mark the words and acts of
all who live the new life in Christ. As you seek to live His life,
striving to conquer self and selfishness and to minister to the
needs of others, you will gain victory after victory. Thus your
influence will bless the world."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page
362.
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 356-362.
68
Making Character a Credit to Doctrine
LESSON 8
Friday
August 22
Part 6
Why should Titus and every other church member be a
LIVING MODELS
model of good behavior?
OF GOD'S WAY
"Show yourself in all respects a model of good deeds, and
in your teaching show integrity, gravity, and sound speech
that cannot be censured, so that an opponent may be put to
shame, having nothing evil to say of us." "So that in every-
thing they may adorn the doctrine of God our Savior." Titus
2:7, 8, 10, RSV.
The unbelieving world has the right to expect something
exceptionally different and distinctly better from those who
proclaim that they have the only gospel and know the world's
only Saviour.
The Greek construction emphasizes that Titus has already
been a good model, and that he should "keep on" being such.
Probably the best lesson that could be taught in pagan Crete
would be the living model of young Titus; self-restrained man-
hood is always a welcome sight.
Every Christian is being closely watched by the youth and
others, in the church and without. Opponents of the truth are
undone when they are up against a life-style that indeed reflects
"integrity, gravity, and sound speech." The world is waiting,
not primarily for new methods or even a new message, but new
men.
THINK IT THROUGH
How seriously do I consider my speech, my everyday con-
versation, to be an index of my character?
"As followers of Christ we should make our words such as
to be a help and an encouragement to one another in the
Christian life. Far more than we do, we need to speak of the
precious chapters in our experience. We should speak of the
mercy and loving-kindness of God, of the matchless depths of
the Saviour's love. Our words should be words of praise and
thanksgiving. If the mind and heart are full of the love of God,
this will be revealed in the conversation. It will not be a difficult
matter to impart that which enters into our spiritual life. Great
thoughts, noble aspirations, clear perceptions of truth, unself-
ish purposes, yearnings for piety and holiness, will bear fruit
in words that reveal the character of the heart treasure. When
Christ is thus revealed in our speech, it will have power in
winning souls to
Him."—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 338.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons, "Talents,"
pages 335-342.
69
"For the grace of God has ap-
peared for the salvation of all men."
Titus 2:11, RSV.
Paul's theological insight and skill
in proclaiming what he had learned
is perhaps never clearer than in the
lessons to be studied this week. He
combined the two great focal points
of Christian doctrine—the first and
second advents of Jesus. In Fns first
coming our Lord demonstrated the
kind of life He now expects all His
followers to live; at
H
is second com-
ing He will welcome into His king-
dom those who have trained them-
selves to follow His example. See
Titus 2:12,13. At His first coming
He made clear that God makes the
first move toward man, that love
does not wait for lovable objects
before there is an invitation to share
fellowship; at His second coming
He will open wide the gate to eter-
nal life for those who have been
"zealous for good deeds." Titus
2:14. In other words, the seeds of
the kingdom planted at His first
coming will be harvested at His
second coming.
The fruitage of His grace, the
harvest of a people who have al-
lowed the seeds of Christlikeness
to mature in their lives, is the glor-
ious vindication of God's wisdom
and government. He will have dem-
onstrated through this harvest from
earth that His way has
,
been best
and that all who have followed His
way are indeed the happiest, nicest,
healthiest people that earth could
produce.
The time of His second coming
will depend upon how soon that
harvest will mature. "'When the
fruit is brought forth, immediately
he putteth in the sickle, because the
harvest is come.' Christ is waiting
with longing desire for the mani-
festation of Himself iri His church.
When the character of:Christ shall
be perfectly reproduced in His peo-
ple, then He will come to claim
them as His own."—"Christ's Object
Lessons," page 69.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Grace Provides Reason for Hope,
Titus 2:11-13
2.
Grace Disposes of the Sin Prob-
lem, Titus 2:14
3.
Grace Is Practical, Titus 2:15
to 3:2
4.
Godhead United in Grace, Titus
3:4-6
5.
Grace. Restores Right Relation-
ships, Titus 3:7, 8
6.
Grace Revealed in Changed
Lives, Titus 3:8, 14
The Fruitage of Grace
LESSON 9
Sunday
August 24
Part 1
GRACE PROVIDES
REASON
FOR HOPE
Do all men have an opportunity to be saved?
"For the grace of God has appeared for the salvation of
all men, training us to renounce irreligion and worldly pas-
sions, and to live sober, upright, and godly lives in this world,
awaiting our blessed hope, the appearing of the glory of our
great God and Savior Jesus Christ." Titus 2:11-13, RSV.
It is difficult to understand how the perverted doctrine of
predestination and kindred errors arose in view of this text and
others such as John 1:9 and 1 Timothy 2:3-6. "The Spirit of
God is freely bestowed to enable every man to lay hold upon
the means of salvation. . . . Men fail of salvation through their
own willful refusal of the gift of life."—The
Great Controversy,
page 262. Every person in his quiet, honest moments will ac-
knowledge that the light of a better way to live has often flashed
in his life.
The light that grace brings to the heart opens up a way of
life that is contrary to selfish indulgence. It says No to all
that is self-centered and this-world oriented. It says Yes to a
totally different life-style which is characterized by self-mastery,
piety, and harmony with God's expectations.
This dramatic triumph of grace is motivated in part by the
happy hope that Jesus is returning to this earth and will invite
all those who have been changed by grace to live in His king-
dom. The return of Jesus is the double blessing adding to the
rewards a godly life provides even in this life.
The Greek is colorful: "Make a habit of watching." Keeping
the return of Jesus ever before us will provide proper perspec-
tive as we go about our daily decision making.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is my life very different from the respectable people
around me who do not include the return of Jesus in their
thinking? Is my difference in the world more a matter of
words than of behavior?
"While you .. . have been forward to engage in controversy
with others upon points of our faith, without an exception you
have been asleep in reference to those things which pertain
to Christianity. You are not even dreaming of the perilous posi-
tion you
occupy."—Testimonies,
Vol.
4,
p. 332.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 3, pp. 51-53.
72
The Fruitage of Grace
LESSON 9
Monday
August 25
Part 2
GRACE DISPOSES
OF THE SIN
PROBLEM
Did Jesus come to save us in our sins or from our sins?
"Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from
all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zeal-
ous of good works." Titus 2:14.
These few words summarize how God intends to dispose of
the sin problem. He will not pretend we're good when we really
aren't. In the last analysis those who truly want their sins for-
given will be those who have forsaken them.
"The religion of Christ means more than the forgiveness of
sin; it means taking away our sins, and filling the vacuum with
the graces of the Holy Spirit. . . . When Christ reigns in the
soul, there is purity, freedom from sin. The glory, the fullness,
the completeness of the gospel plan is fulfilled in the life."—
Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 419, 420.
The chief purpose of Christ's incarnation was to prove that,
even after thousands of years of sin, men and women could
live without sin by the power of the indwelling Spirit. His per-
fect life in human flesh broke the spell of Satan. No longer
could Satan claim that God was asking too much from His
creation.
Further, Jesus promised all men that if they would place
their trust in Him, He would help them to be purified from all
iniquity. Ellen White wrote: "He did not consent to sin. Not
even by a thought did He yield to temptation. So it may be with
us. Christ's humanity was united with divinity; He was fitted
for the conflict by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit. And He
came to make us partakers of the divine nature. So long as
we are united to Him by faith, sin has no more dominion over
us. God reaches for the hand of faith in us to direct it to lay
fast hold upon the divinity of Christ, that we may attain to
perfection of character."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 123.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I made Christ's sacrifice worthwhile? Has He really
redeemed me from all iniquity?
"The world needs a practical demonstration of what the
grace of God can do in restoring to human beings their lost
kingship, giving them mastery of themselves. There is nothing
that the world needs so much as a knowledge of the gospel's
saving power revealed in Christlike lives."—The
Ministry of
Healing,
pages 132, 133.
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Growing Up Into Christ," pages 67-72.
73
The Fruitage of Grace
LESSON 9
Tuesday
August 26
Part 3
GRACE IS
PRACTICAL
How serious is Paul regarding the quality life expected
,
of
Christians?
"Declare these things; exhort and reprove with all author-
ity. Let no one disregard you. Remind them to be submissive
to rulers and authorities, to be obedient, to be ready for any
honest work, to speak evil of no one, to avoid quarreling, to
be gentle, and to show perfect courtesy toward all men." Titus
2:15 to 3:2, RSV.
Paul's command to the church is to "declare . . . ; exhort
and reprove. . . . Let no one disregard you." The church must
be kept pure if the young within are to have good reason to
stay in. Otherwise, the lack of integrity and courage to call
sin by its right name will confuse them, causing some to feel
that there is no place except within their own feelings where
they can decide right from wrong.
Paul reminds Titus that Christians have civic responsibili-
ties; that Christians, in applying Christ's way of life, should be
examples of right conduct to those outside the church, begin-
ning with civil officials.
"It is not wise to find fault continually with what is done by
the rulers of government. It is not our work to attack individ-
uals or institutions. We should exercise great care lest we be
understood as putting ourselves in opposition to the civil au-
thorities....
"We should not work in a manner that will mark us out as
seeming to advocate treason. We should weed out from our
writings and utterances every expression, that, taken by itself,
could be so misrepresented as to make it appear antagonistic
to law and order. Everything should be carefully considered,
lest we place ourselves on record as encouraging disloyalty
to our country and its
laws."—Testimonies,
Vol. 6, p. 394.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I seek for ways to assist others in providing commu-
nity services? Or do I receive more from others than I put in
personally? Am I known for being courteous and constructive?
"You [our ministers] may be true to principle, you may be
just, honest, and religious; but with it all you must cultivate
true tenderness of heart, kindness, and courtesy. If a person is
in error, be the more kind to him; if you are not courteous, you
may drive him away from
Christ."—Testimonies to Ministers,
page 150.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons, "Like
Unto Leaven," pages 100-102.
74
The Fruitage of Grace
LESSON 9
Wednesday
August 27
Part 4
GODHEAD
UNITED IN
GRACE
How do all members of the Godhead cooperate in saving
man?
"But when the goodness and loving kindness of God our
Savior appeared, he saved us, not because of deeds done by
us in righteousness, but in virtue of his own mercy, by the
washing of regeneration and renewal in the Holy Spirit, which
he poured out upon us richly through Jesus Christ our Savior."
Titus 3:4-6, RSV.
The loving-kindness of God is in contrast to the malice,
envy and hatred that dominates the unconverted man (verse 3).
The only logical response when a person learns of Him is the
life of faith that breaks forth in obedience to all that God wants
him to do. See Titus 2:12.
This God appeared to men. He wasn't thought up by wise
men, nor does He pervade nature so that it is as natural as
breathing to think religious thoughts. God is a Person who has
made many contacts with mankind, the chief encounter being
the incarnation.
Paul summarized the cooperation of the Godhead by noting
the historical witness of Jesus and the internal work of the
Holy Spirit. The historical, external witness is joined with the
always current, internal witness, joining the head and the heart
in unshakable conviction. See John 15:26.
God does not wait for any man to make the first move. God's
love comes first, awakening the response of faith. Both the
miracle of regeneration (second birth) and the renewing process
that lasts until every un-Christlike habit is completely worked
out of the life are results of the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Man's task is to cooperate, willing every day to conform his
choices to the will of God.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I allowed God to do everything that He has wanted
to do in my life? Am I completely renewed?
"His love received, will make us, in like manner, kind and
tender, not merely toward those who please us, but to the
most faulty and erring and sinful.
"The children of God are those who are partakers of His
nature. It is not earthly rank, nor birth, nor nationality, nor re-
ligious privilege, which proves that we are members of the
family of God; it is love, a love that embraces all humanity."
—Thoughts From the Mount of Blessing,
page 75.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 664-670.
75
The Fruitage of Grace
LESSON 9
Thursday
August 28
Part 5
If grace is not thwarted, where will it finally lead any
GRACE RE-
person who receives it?
STORES RIGHT
RELATIONSHIPS
"So that we might be justified by his grace and become
heirs in hope of eternal life. The saying is sure." Titus 3:7, 8a,
RSV.
As a result of the Holy Spirit's work in the new birth and
the beginning of a new life (new creation, 2 Cor. 5:17), the
new Christian stands as a restored son in the family of God.
He is now in the right relation with his Father when before
he was in a "far country."
Being a restored son makes him also an heir, looking for-
ward to the day when the inheritance will indeed be his.
What part does faith play when man is justified by grace?
Eph. 2:8.
"Faith is the condition upon which God has seen fit to prom-
ise pardon to sinners; not that there is any virtue in faith
whereby salvation is merited, but because faith can lay hold
of the merits of Christ, the remedy provided for sin."—Ellen
G. White Comments,
SDA Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1073.
What is the real test that genuine faith has truly allowed
grace to have its way?
"Justification by faith in Christ will be made manifest in
transformation of character. This is the sign to the world of
the truth of the doctrines we profess. The daily evidence that
we are a living church is seen in the fact that we are prac-
ticing the Word. A living testimony goes forth to the world in
consistent Christian action."—Ellen G. White Comments,
SDA
Bible Commentary,
Vol. 6, p. 1071.
THINK IT THROUGH
What is the evidence I have that I have been justified by
grace? Am I more of a renewed person today than I was a
year ago?
In order that his personal witness about justification would
not be misunderstood, Paul emphatically concluded: "The
saying is sure." See 1 Tim. 1:15; 3:1; 4:9; 2 Tim. 2:11. This
should be the quiet, dynamic witness that every Christian, by
speech and life, can tell to his child or to his nonbelieving
neighbor.The peace promised when a man is in the right rela-
tion with God (Rom. 5:1) is one of the blessings that confirms
this great truth.
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Lost, and Is Found," pages 198-
206.
76
The Fruitage
of Grace
LESSON 9
Friday
August
29
Part 6
What relationship does Paul always maintain between be-
GRACE RE-
lief and works?
VEALED IN
CHANGED LIVES
"I desire you to insist on these things, so that those who
have believed in God may be careful to apply themselves to
good deeds; these are excellent and profitable to men."
"Let our people learn to apply themselves to good deeds,
so as to help cases of urgent need, and not to be unfruitful."
Titus 3:8, 14, RSV.
Paul will soar in theological explanation of what God has
done for man, but he never forgets the earthly reality of man's
responsibility in accepting grace. God does not force grace on
anyone. He will only stand at the door and knock. His purpose
is to assist man in changing his ways; man's part is to will to
change, and God's part is to provide the power to change.
Grace is inoperative where there is no faith that leads to
good works. There is more to Christianity than "only believe."
"The religion of Christ is something more than talk. The
righteousness of Christ consists in right actions and works
from pure, unselfish motives. Outside righteousness, while the
inward adorning is wanting, will be of no
avail."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 528.
The object of sowing gospel seed is to produce a harvest—
a fruitful response of people who have allowed the truth to
assume complete control in their habit patterns.
"The divine Husbandman looks for a harvest as the reward
of His labor and sacrifice. Christ is seeking to reproduce Him-
self in the hearts of men; and He does this through those who
believe in Him. The object of the Christian life is fruit bearing
—the reproduction of Christ's character in the believer, that
it may be reproduced in others."—Christ's
Object Lessons,
page 67.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I a living exhibit of the gracious power of God?
Would people believe that God is omnipotent and loving by
observing my life? Or does my life stand out enough so that
others would even ask those questions?
FURTHER STUDY
Steps to Christ,
"Growing Up Into Christ," pages 73-75.
77
"That good thing which was com-
mitted unto thee keep by the Holy
Ghost which dwelleth in us." 2 Tim.
1:14.
The second letter to Timothy is
not a continuation of the first; in
fact it is very different. It has been
called Paul's "last will and testa-
ment." Probably there is no other
New Testament letter that is so
charged with tenderness; its appeal
throbs through the four chapters.
No longer is Paul the dauntless mis-
sionary roaming the lands of the
Mediterranean. He writes this letter
from a damp, filthy Roman prison,
knowing that his time on earth is
very short.
Apparently he is alone except for
faithful Luke. Paul, the great apostle,
to whom thousands owed hope and
life, alone. Where were those who
owed him a great debt? But out of
that human distress, when the light
flickered, came this tremendous
affirmation of faith that has cheered
countless thousands, perhaps mil-
lions, in the centuries since. He
wants Timothy to hurry to his side;
he longed for his companion of
many miles and many crises.
The clouds were gathering over
the young Christian church. Heart-
less Nero had blamed the Christians
for starting the holocaust that devas-
tated much of Rome. Hatred, suspi-
cion, and persecution awaited Chris-
tians everywhere. How would these
young churches stand up under
these potentially crushing events?
Soon there would be no Paul to
gain strength from and to tell them
what to do.
Paul did what he could. He wrote
this remarkable letter on the eve of
his execution. Place yourself in Tim-
othy's position—or in the place of
any lonely missionary surrounded by
unappreciative multitudes, or that of
a lonely Christian torn by anxiety
by living with a family that does not
understand. This letter has kept
many such heroes of the cross buoy-
ant under great distress, strength-
ened to renew their effort, even
triumphant when death seemed
near. Many have read these chap-
ters with a sob in the throat.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Portrait of a Veteran, 2 Tim.
1:1-3
2.
Portrait of a Beloved Disciple,
2 Tim. 1:5
3.
A Powerful Gospel, 2 Tim.
1:8-10
4.
Reality of Personal Knowledge,
2 Tim. 1:11,12
5.
Responsibility of Faith, 2 Tim.
1:13, 14
6.
Shadows Before Noonday,
2 Tim. 1:15-18
LESSON 10 August 31-September 6
GUARDING TFEC
TRUTH-
Guarding the Truth
LESSON 10
Sunday
August 31
Part 1
PORTRAIT OF
A VETERAN
What simple fact anchored Paul during this dreary moment
in his life?
"Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, ac-
cording to the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus, to
Timothy, my dearly beloved son: Grace, mercy, and peace,
from God the Father and Christ Jesus
our
Lord. I thank God
whom I serve from my forefathers with pure conscience, that
without ceasing I have remembrance of thee in my prayers
night and day." 2 Tim. 1:1-3.
Truly a matchless farewell! How would you have addressed
your beloved friend for the last time?
Here was Paul, humiliated by men, in a dreary dungeon re-
served for criminals, yet he held his head high—he was still
an apostle of our Lord Jesus. No Nero could take that away
from him.
The essence of the gospel is chiseled here in few words—
"the promise of life which is in Christ Jesus." Sin had opened
the door to death. Everything about sin destroys. The end of
sin is bitterness even though the first sip may be exhilarating.
But the good news about Jesus is that He is Life, and He came
to give man life "more abundantly." John 10:10. This life
changes man
now,
gives him a whole new reason to live
now,
gives him new energy and new hope in this life. But there is
life beyond—a thought very high on Paul's mind at that mo-
ment. The end was near for Paul but not really; the promise of
his Lord was that there was eternal life ahead.
What prayerful wish does Paul ask for Timothy? Verse 2.
Paul's tender prayer for Timothy sums up the blessedness
of genuine Christian living: Grace, mercy, and peace to you,
dear Timothy. Only in his two letters to Timothy does Paul
unite these three terms. They are ready to be enjoyed by any-
one who, like Timothy, is committed to God the Father and
Christ Jesus our Lord.
THINK IT THROUGH
When I am in a difficult place, lonely and perhaps mis-
understood, do I find reason to give thanks as did Paul?
Paul is no complainer. He lets the happy memories that line
life's hallway flood over the present. He recounts the occasions
wherein he and Timothy have seen the intervening hand of
God. He has seen new churches spring up out of unlikely
places. He has seen young men dream and hope when they
had lost their courage before Jesus came into their lives.
Every Christian should be lining the hall of memory now so
that there will be many occasions to give thanks in the days
ahead.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 498-500.
80
Guarding the Truth
LESSON 10
Ei
Monday
September I
Part 2
PORTRAIT OF
A BELOVED
DISCIPLE
What is the common bond that tied Paul, Timothy, and
Timothy's family together?
"When I call to remembrance the unfeigned faith that is
in thee, which dwelt first in thy grandmother Lois, and thy
mother Eunice; and I am persuaded that in thee also." 2 Tim.
1:5.
Here Paul is saying that every person is, to a large extent,
the product of his family background. That is why a good biog-
raphy does not begin with the featured person's birth but with
the parents and grandparents as well.
Paul thanks God for his own parents (verse 3) who must
have taught him well regarding the God of Israel; he now
recognizes in Timothy the same faith that animated Lois and
Eunice. Faith is a total life response to God. It can best be
taught by example. How grateful both Paul and Timothy were
to their parents.
The bond between Paul and Timothy, between the aged
veteran and the stalwart younger disciple, was their common
faith. They recognized this "sincere," unpretending faith in
each other, and mutual confidence was the result.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I doing all that I can to transmit faith to those who
are closest to me? Is it easy for them to have faith in God by
watching how I live?
Without actually stating the fact, how could Paul emphasize
more the importance of parental responsibility and privilege?
Paul points every child or recipient of faith to the simple fact
that faith is usually a gift which we owe to someone else's
steadfast example.
What kind of spirit did the faith of Paul and Timothy
create? Verse 7.
What a remarkable combination of words—how easy it is
to have power without love, power without self-control, or self-
control without love, et cetera. Paul knew what it took to face
up to earth's toughest challenges and not flinch; he knew how
to turn every difficulty into a way to preach Jesus Christ, by
example if not by word.
FURTHER STUDY
The
Desire of Ages,
page 341.
81
Guarding the Truth
LESSON 10
Tuesday
September
2
Part 3
A POWERFUL
GOSPEL
What great facts kept Paul and Timothy from being
ashamed of Jesus?
"Be not thou therefore ashamed of the testimony of our
Lord, nor of me his prisoner: but be thou partaker of the afflic-
tions of the gospel according to the power of God; who hath
saved us, and called us with an holy calling, not according
to our works, but according to his own purpose and grace,
which was given us in Christ Jesus before the world began,
but is now made manifest by the appearing of our Saviour
Jesus Christ, who hath abolished death, and hath brought
life and immortality to light through the gospel." 2 Tim.
1:8-10.
Paul and Timothy had learned through experience that God
was very near, in peace and crisis. They had seen their own
spirit made bold when faithless men would have capitulated.
They had seen power, love, and self-control develop in their
own character. Such is the greatest proof of the existence and
power of God.
The time may come for every Christian, as it did for Timothy,
when it will be a social disgrace to identify with command-
ment keepers. Paul's call still rings: Join me in suffering dis-
grace if need be because we represent the God of the gospel!
The gospel is the story of Jesus who banished the fear of
death because He demonstrated that He held the keys of the
grave. That is power! The gospel also proclaims that Jesus can
banish those destructive forces that kill the spirit, such as
envy, fear, pride, and covetousness. That is power! Such a
gospel is far more than only the forgiveness of sins.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I live as though the power of the gospel is real? What
evidence is there in my life that such a God as Paul talks
about truly exists?
"The work of pruning and purifying to fit us for heaven is a
great work and will cost us much suffering and trial, because
our wills are not subjected to the will of Christ. We must go
through the furnace till the fires have consumed the dross and
we are purified and reflect the divine image. . . .
"No cross, no crown. . . . Our Saviour was tried in every
possible way, and yet He triumphed in God continually. It is
our privilege to be strong in the strength of God under all cir-
cumstances and to glory in the cross of
Christ."—Testimonies,
Vol. 3, p. 67.
FURTHER STUDY
The Ministry of Healing,
pages 480-482.
82
Guarding the Truth
LESSON 10
Wednesday
September 3
Part 4
REALITY
OF PERSONAL
KNOWLEDGE
What was Paul's anchor that empowered him to be such
a remarkable Christian witness?
"For this gospel I was appointed a preacher and apostle
and teacher, and therefore I suffer as I do. But I am not
ashamed, for I know whom I have believed and I am sure
that he is able to guard until that Day what has been en-
trusted to me." 2 Tim. 1:11, 12, RSV.
Paul was not ashamed even when the whole world was cry-
ing, Shame! Why? Because Paul knew something and Someone
that his accusers did not know. That made all the difference.
Even though the preaching of the gospel will always incite op-
position and hatred, the Christian knows that he will get no
better treatment than his Master received.
Paul's religion centered in a Person whom he knew through
experience not merely in information about that Person. "The
one great purpose of his Christian life had been to serve Him
whose name had once filled him with contempt; and from this
purpose no opposition or persecution had been able to turn
him aside. His faith, made strong by effort and pure by sacri-
fice, upheld and strengthened him."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
page 500.
There is some uncertainty regarding the exact meaning of
verse 12: The King James version reads "to keep that which I
have committed unto him against that day." The Greek reads
literally "to guard my deposit unto that day" and could be
referring to something Paul has entrusted to God or something
that God has entrusted to Paul.
The context suggests strongly the latter meaning. God was
able to guard the gospel that Paul above all others had spear-
headed throughout the Mediterranean world.
At this bleak moment when the great teacher was about to
be killed in disgrace, Timothy was reminded that this deposit
of truth was in greater hands than Paul's. Jesus would guard
the preaching of the gospel. Men die, but Jesus guards their
work and hands it to faithful men who carry on until "that
Day" when such labor will be forever over.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I live as if the gospel's future lies in the hands of men
or in the hands of God? Is there a limit to how much God
can do if men fail Him?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 822-828.
83
Guarding the Truth
LESSON 10
Thursday
September 4
Part 5
RESPONSIBILITY
OF FAITH
What did Paul urge Timothy to do?
"Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard
of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. That good
thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost
which dwelleth in us." 2 Tim. 1:13, 14.
Paul knew that the temptation would always be there to
trim the truth, to leave out the unpopular. Why create a crisis?
Paul knew also that this would lead to spiritual defeat and
eventual disaster.
"Sound" words could be literally translated, "healthy"
words. Anything other than Paul's straight, clear teaching
leads to spiritual infection and moral disease.
Although intelligent people know that truth must always be
communicated in a modern way, the "healthy" words of Paul
are still relevant and can be quickly understood. If Paul were
discussing chemistry or astronomy, there would be no ques-
tion regarding the necessity of bringing him up to date. But
Paul is concerned with faith and sin, responsibility and rebel-
lion, and these categories have not changed. Man still needs
a Saviour, not only from the penalty of sin but from its power
as well.
Men, in listening to Paul, could see that his message had
been produced by a brilliant mind and a great heart of love.
Such was Timothy's challenge—to carry on now in Paul's stead,
linking faith and love to a wonderful gospel.
In verse 12 the gospel is considered a valuable treasure,
committed to Paul and now to Timothy, as a great and sacred
trust. So it has been given to everyone who has ever truly
called Jesus Lord. What a trust! How few know how valuable
this knowledge is! How easily this deposit gets marred in the
hands of proud men!
Paul and Timothy had already spent many days contending
with those who considered themselves teachers of the gospel.
"Guard the deposit" has been one of the highest duties resting
on the Christian church for 2,000 years.
The guarding cannot be done in human wisdom alone. Only
the Holy Spirit, the Spirit of truth, can provide the insight and
perseverence such a duty demands.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I guard the truth so that others are not confused when
they watch my life pattern or hear what I say?
FURTHER STUDY
The
Great Controversy,
pages 593-598.
84
Guarding the Truth
LESSON 10
Friday
September 5
Part 6
SHADOWS
BEFORE
NOONDAY
What disappointment did Paul face in his closing days?
"This thou knowest, that all they which are in Asia be
turned away from me, of whom are Phygellus and Hermo-
genes. The Lord give mercy unto the house of Onesiphorus; for
he oft refreshed me. . .. The Lord grant unto him that he may
find mercy of the Lord in that day: and in how many things
he ministered unto me at Ephesus, thou knowest very well."
2 Tim. 1:15-18.
Paul knew the pain of humiliation by enemies and rejec-
tion by brethren. Because he could write with such candor and
courage, many thousands in the years to follow have been
made strong as they were reminded of his spiritual resources.
Jesus understood what it meant to be forsaken by professed
followers. See John 6:66; Mark 14:50.
The glimpse of Onesiphorus is refreshing and worthy of
much study. When he heard of Paul's plight, his family appar-
ently made it possible for Onesiphorus to leave their Ephesus
home and make his way to troubled Rome. Paul had done so
much for them—it was now their turn.
Far from being ashamed of Paul's predicament, he searched
from Christian to Christian until he discovered where Paul had
been imprisoned. Somehow he managed to get through, risking
all the hazards that could easily have befallen him as he iden-
tified himself with Paul, indicted as a criminal.
Paul did not forget such mercies, and he wanted Timothy
to do all he could for this man's family back in Ephesus. More
than that, Paul's prayer was that Onesiphorus would be granted
a merciful entrance into the kingdom of our Lord "in that day."
For Paul "that day" was about all he had left to look forward
to. How many Christians in the centuries that followed took
courage because of Paul's courage and the gospel that he
faithfully proclaimed.
True friendship cannot be bought; it lasts through hardship,
suffering, and disgrace.
THINK IT THROUGH
How reliable has my friendship been to those who have
been wrongfully spoken against? Have I treated with mercy
those who have borne the heat of the day?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 489-491.
85
"No man that warreth entangleth
himself with the affairs of this life;
that he may please him who hath
chosen him to be a soldier." 2 Tim.
2:4.
Paul had learned many basic prin-
ciples about how the gospel can be
best proclaimed. He had learned
through experience what not to do
as well as what is most effective. He
had learned that "argument, even
when unanswerable, may provoke
only opposition; but a godly exam-
ple has a power that it is impossible
wholly to resist."—"The Acts of the
Apostles," page 511. In this second
chapter of the last letter he would
write before his execution he
stressed the importance of quality
control as the gospel treasure is
passed on from one generation to
another.
He made it clear that every gen-
uine Christian will suffer misunder-
standing and outright hardship,
even as had his Lord and Paul him-
self. He calls for the fortitude of the
soldier, the discipline of the trained
athlete, and the perseverance of a
good farmer.
He expects no shoddy work from
those who will carry on where he
leaves off. Christianity is not primar-
ily a wonderful feeling but a great
response of complete dedication to
the Lord of glory. This complete
dedication will be evident in the
Christian's fervent attention to self-
development so that he will be
ready for whatever needs may arise
in the work of serving his Lord.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
The Christian Soldier, 2 Tim.
2:3, 4
2.
The Christian Athlete and
Farmer, 2 Tim. 2:5
3.
The Willing Sufferer, 2 Tim.
2:8-10
4.
The Earnest Student, 2 Tim.
2:14, 15
5.
Evidences of a Pure Heart,
2 Tim. 2:22
6.
The Kindly Teacher, 2 Tim.
2:24, 25
LESSON 11 September 7-13
PORTRAIT OF
lerl AND WOMEN
OF MIME
Portrait of Men and Women of Faith
LESSON 11
Sunday
September 7
Part 1
THE CHRISTIAN
SOLDIER
What are the particular characteristics of a good soldier?
"Take your share of suffering as a good soldier of Christ
Jesus. No soldier on service gets entangled in civilian pur-
suits, since his aim is to satisfy the one who enlisted him."
2 Tim. 2:3, 4, RSV.
In a world where sin abounds suffering is inevitable. Paul,
however, refers to the added suffering that anyone who follows
the example of Jesus will experience. See 3:12.
The comparison of a Christian life with that of a soldier's
suggests that, for both, achievement requires fortitude, often
under distressing circumstances. Soldiers do not expect a safe
or easy time.
The forces of evil do all that is possible to destroy the be-
liever's spirit. These forces do not come labeled as evil; they
may be close loved ones or long-time friends as well as jealous,
conniving associates. Ellen G. White wrote of the youth: "They
should be taught that this world is not a parade ground, but
a battlefield. All are called to endure hardness, as good sol-
diers. . . . Let them be taught that the true test of character
is found in the willingness to bear burdens, to take the hard
place, to do the work that needs to be done, though it brings
no earthly recognition or
reward."—Education,
page 295.
Furthermore, good soldiers concentrate on what they have
committed themselves to do; they are wholly at their com-
manding officer's disposal. In fact, concentration on their main
task would probably do much to protect their own life as well
as those around them. This admonition, directed especially to
the ministry, surely applies to all Christians in the larger sense.
The full-time denominational employee who is wholly con-
secrated to his calling should engage in no outside activities
that drain his energies or his time from the possibilities and
challenges of his task for which he is already paid. See The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 365, 366.
The nondenominational employee must also sort out the
priorities in his life so that ample time and energy may be de-
voted to his Christian calling.
THINK IT THROUGH
How much time do I devote each week to personal Chris-
tian witnessing? Am I letting the good things of life rob me
of the best that I may be doing?
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pages 295-297.
88
Portrait of Men and Women of Faith
LESSON 11
El Monday
.
September 8
Part 2
THE CHRISTIAN
ATHLETE
AND FARMER
What are the special characteristics of successful athletes?
"An athlete is not crowned unless he competes according
to the rules." 2 Tim. 2:5, RSV.
Paul carries through the concept of fortitude begun in his
soldier illustration. The successful athlete also must win ac-
cording to the rules; he must compete honestly and be so
recognized by his associates.
A successful athlete determines long before he wins his
victories not only that he will abide by the rules during the
contest, but that he will rigorously train by the rules that lead
to success. Great accomplishment is not happenstance; dis-
cipline and personal sacrifice are the predominating aspects
of his life.
"The object of discipline is the training of the child for self-
government. He should be taught self-reliance and self-control.
Therefore as soon as he is capable of understanding, his
reason should be enlisted on the side of obedience. . . . Help
him to see that all things are under law, and that disobedience
leads, in the end, to disaster and suffering."—Education, page
287.
What is the special characteristic of the successful farmer?
Verse 6.
The concepts of fortitude, discipline, and patience are‘car-
ried through from the soldier and athlete. Who questions the
hard work of the farmer on whom all the world depends for
food, and thus life itself?
Paul's spiritual lesson is this: Those who toil to bring salva-
tion to others should be partaking of that salvation themselves.
If Christians are not partaking of this spiritual harvest in their
own lives, their influence will become barren.
"It is our own character and experience that determine our
influence upon others. In order to convince others of the power
of Christ's grace, we must know its power in our own hearts
and lives. The gospel we present for the saving of souls must
be the gospel by which our own souls are saved."—The
Min-
istry of Healing,
page 469.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is my life an example of self-control and perseverance in
pursuit of worthy goals?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
page 101.
89
Portrait of Men and Women of Faith
LESSON 11
Tuesday
September
9
Part 3
What connection do you see between the lessons to be
THE WILLING
learned from the soldier-athlete-farmer illustration and Jesus?
SUFFERER
"Remember Jesus Christ, risen from the dead, descended
from David, as preached in my gospel, the gospel for which
I am suffering and wearing fetters, like a criminal. But the
word of God is not fettered. Therefore I endure everything for
the sake of the elect, that they also may obtain the salvation
which in Christ Jesus goes with eternal glory." 2 Tim. 2:8-10,
RSV.
The main concept so far in the second letter to Timothy is
that the genuine Christian will face suffering, especially be-
cause he is a Christian. Now Timothy is told (as a parting re-
minder) never to forget our Lord. When you are tempted to
avoid pain and hard times, Paul tells him, remember Jesus
and think again. When you fully understand the experience of
Jesus, then you will realize that Christians are called to suffer
also.
Before the victory, there is the cross! Suffering is the road
to glory. Paul is here speaking not only doctrinally but also
experientially when he holds up Christ's death and resurrec-
tion.
In reference to his Lord's example, Paul included the
thought that Jesus had descended from David. Jesus was not
a make-believe man. Although He mysteriously entered the
human stream, He did become part of the flow of heredity and
faced life as every other baby has had to. "Like every child
of Adam He accepted the results of the working of the great
law of heredity.... He came with such a heredity to share our
sorrows and temptations, and to give us the example of a sin-
less life....
"He [the Father] permitted Him to meet life's peril in com-
mon with every human soul, to fight the battle as every child
of humanity must fight it, at the risk of failure and eternal
loss."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 49.
When Jesus hung on the cross, it seemed that all was lost.
The gospel seemed not only fettered but defeated. When Paul
was locked up in that dismal Roman prison soon to be ex-
ecuted, the gospel seemed doomed. Who could carry on in
Paul's stead? Paul answered the question forthrightly: "The
word of God is not fettered"!
Jesus, Paul, Timothy, and all the others who have suffered
for righteousness' sake through the years have had to leave
the scene—but the gospel moves on in the men and women
of faith.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I act as if the gospel is unfettered and God still lives
even when hard times come into my life?
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 462, 463.
90
Portrait of Men and Women of Faith
LESSON 11
Wednesday
September 10
Part 4
THE EARNEST
STUDENT
What responsibility rested upon Timothy?
"Remind them of this, and charge them before the Lord to
avoid disputing about words, which does no good, but only
ruins the hearers. Do your best to present yourself to God as
one approved, a workman who has no need to be ashamed,
rightly handling the word of truth." 2 Tim. 2:14, 15, RSV.
There is always the danger that, for some, Christianity
should become a matter of doctrine only. The essentials of
Christianity, for such people, rest in religious information that
can be argued about among those who hold different view-
points. Even arguments that support Biblical truth may fall
short and ruin the hearers if Christianity is left only to the world
of information and logic.
Paul appeals to Timothy to hold high before the young men
whom he will train that God's genuine workmen move from
the head to the heart in "handling the word of truth."
"God requires the training of the mental faculties. He de-
signs that His servants shall possess more intelligence and
clearer discernment than the worldling, and He is displeased
with those who are too careless or too indolent to become
efficient, well-informed workers. The Lord bids us love Him
with all the heart, and with all the soul, and with all the
strength, and with all the mind. This lays upon us the obligation
of developing the intellect to its fullest capacity, that with all
the mind we may know and love our Creator.
"If placed under the control of His Spirit, the more thoroughly
the intellect is cultivated, the more effectively it can be used
in the service of God. . . .
"The Lord desires us to obtain all the education possible,
with the object in view of imparting our knowledge to others.
. . . We should not let slip even one opportunity of qualifying
ourselves intellectually to work for God. . . .
"Self-discipline must be practiced by everyone who would
be a worker for God. This will accomplish more than eloquence
or the most brilliant talents. An ordinary mind, well disciplined,
will accomplish more and higher work than will the most highly
educated mind and the greatest talents without self-control."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
pages 333-335.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I using all the advantages I have to improve my un-
derstanding of the Bible and my awareness of what is hap-
pening to people today? Do I find myself merely skimming
the surface, hoping to get by?
FURTHER STUDY
Education,
pages 232, 233;
Gospel Workers,
pages 92-95.
91
Portrait of Men and Women of Faith
LESSON 11
Thursday
September II
Part 5
EVIDENCES OF
A PURE HEART
What are the external evidences of a pure heart?
"Flee also youthful lusts: but follow righteousness, faith,
charity, peace, with them that call on the Lord out of a pure
heart." 2 Tim. 2:22.
This admonition follows several verses that appeal to every
Christian to be fit vessels for the Master's use. The chief con-
dition, no matter how or where one serves, is that each person
purify
himself—a
personal work is required before that church
member can be useful to others.
The Greek is very instructive: "Keep on fleeing . . . keep
on pursuing." Timothy was not being reprimanded but encour-
aged to maintain his already exemplary life.
The emphasis is not on bodily passions but on a deeper
level where all kinds of unholy passions reside. Think about
those immature passions that beset everybody, regardless of
age, when Jesus is not in control of feelings and ambitions.
With all the advantages that Christians have, there is the pos-
sibility that immature members will yield to the temptations of
pride, conceit, dogmatism, contentiousness, and inordinate
ambition. Keep on fleeing from such immaturity.
We should not make excuses for these sins of immaturity;
we must not negotiate with them or linger in their presence.
We are to flee as Joseph and Mary fled with Jesus from Her-
od's wrath—the same Greek word is used to describe their
haste.
There is a spiritual law about fleeing and pursuing; one
cannot flee sin unless he is actively pursuing righteousness.
Paul described this law in several ways; for example, in Colos-
sians 3 he talks about putting off sinful practices and putting
on the characteristics of Jesus.
There is no other way to please God and have the sanctified
life.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I pick my friends because they are pursuing righteous-
ness, faith, love, and peace? Are these traits that which
attract others to me?
"Not all who profess to be workers for Christ are true dis-
ciples. Among those who bear His name, and who are even
numbered with His workers, are some who do not represent
Him in character. They are not governed by His principles.
These persons are often a cause of perplexity and discourage-
ment to their fellow workers who are young in Christian experi-
ence; but none need be misled. Christ has given us a perfect
example. He bids us follow Him."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page 493.
FURTHER STUDY
Messages to Young People,
pages 21-26.
92
Portrait of Men and Women of Faith
LESSON 11
Friday
September 12
Part 6
What characteristics distinguish a person who presents
THE KINDLY
Christianity to others?
TEACHER
"The Lord's servant must not be quarrelsome but kindly
to every one, an apt teacher, forbearing, correcting his op-
ponents with gentleness." 2 Tim. 2:24, 25, RSV.
Here Paul erects a measuring stick by which the Christian
may measure his Christlikeness in dealing with others. Know-
ing the doctrine is important and basic, but not enough.
The Christlike teacher is not a debater who loves the heat
of battle; in fact, he will avoid a quarrel, knowing that Chris-
tianity wants to win the heart as well as the head. Such a
teacher wins by a sweet reasonableness and a gracious cour-
tesy that disarms his opponent. The Christlike teacher can
do it no other way.
"Those who are handling the great, grand, ennobling truths
of the Word, must ever reveal a spirit deep, earnest, fervent,
but calm and full of sound sense that the mouths of gainsayers
may be stopped.
"Those who are close students of the Word, following Christ
in humility of soul, will not go to extremes. The Saviour never
went to extremes, never lost self-control, never violated the
laws of good taste. He knew when to speak and when to keep
silent. . . . He silenced the voice of the caviling priests by
penetrating beneath the surface and reaching the heart, flash-
ing light into the mind and awakening the conscience."—Gos-
pel Workers,
page 317.
Not being prepared to handle the truth properly is another
form of rudeness. Paul wants Timothy to stress the quality of
teaching skills that every church member should acquire—"apt
to teach."
Being right is important; being right with meekness is in-
dispensable. Such a quality is a result of the "pure heart."
Verse 22.
What is the final goal of Christian teachings? Verse 25,
last part.
Paul says that Christian teachers should do more than an-
swer all opposers and prove them wrong; they are to be brought
to repentance. There is a moral element in believing or reject-
ing truth. Behind the rejection of the gospel there is a rebel
heart unwilling to concede to God.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I look upon "preaching the truth" as a chance to vin-
dicate my position or as an opportunity to introduce another
to the open arms of Jesus? Do I make it easy for the other to
admit his error?
93
LESSON 12 September 14-20
AIOIDING
A
COUNTCRFCIT
FAITFE
"All scripture is given by inspira-
tion of God, and is profitable for
doctrine, for reproof, for correction,
for instruction in righteousness."
2 Tim. 3:16.
In the third chapter of Second
Timothy a sharp comparison is
drawn between genuine and coun-
terfeit faith. On one side stand reli-
gious people who have the form and
not the power; on the other side
stand those whose record of con-
duct, patience, love, and steadfast-
ness reveals the "godly life in Christ
Jesus."
In Paul's day as well as ours, men
and women may enjoy the social re-
wards that usually accompany mem-
bership in the Christian church.
Unfortunately it is very difficult to
identify those who seek the bless-
ings of Christianity apart from its
vital power. They may actually as-
sume leadership in the church, gain
standing in the eyes of many, and,
in so doing, create division and
stress with their counterfeit faith.
Genuine faith can be tested by
comparing its results with the in-
struction offered in the Scriptures
and with the life of Jesus and men
like Paul. Honest seekers for the
truth will be able to detect the ring
of authenticity. In the final analysis,
genuine faith is validated by be-
havior and not merely by what a
person believes.
The persecution that is predicted
for the last generation of Christians
is not arbitrarily set; it will be a
reaction of a world that is uncom-
fortable with honor, integrity, and
love. When the church lives the life
of its Master, then there will be per-
secution that will compare with that
directed at its Master and at His
chief apostle of the first century A.D.
The Christian need not fear in
times of great stress, within or with-
out the church, if he has permitted
the Bible to be profitable to him
"for doctrine, for reproof, for cor-
rection, for instruction in righteous-
ness." 2 Tim. 3:16.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Form Without Power, 2 Tim.
3:1-5
2.
Counterfeit Faith, 2 Tim. 3:6-9
3.
Genuine Faith, 2 Tim. 3:10-12
4.
Scriptures, the Basis of Truth,
2 Tim. 3:14, 15
5.
Scriptures Train in Righteous-
ness, 2 Tim. 3:16
6.
Scriptures Make Man Complete,
2 Tim. 3:17
Avoiding a Counterfeit Faith
LESSON 12
Sunday
September 14
Part 1
FORM
WITHOUT
POWER
What characteristics would be widespread in the last days?
"But understand this, that in the last days there will come
times of stress. For men will be lovers of self, lovers of money,
proud, arrogant, abusive, disobedient to their parents, un-
grateful, unholy, inhuman, implacable, slanderers, profligates,
fierce, haters of good, treacherous, reckless, swollen with
conceit, lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God, holding
the form of religion but denying the power of it. Avoid such
people." 2 Tim. 3:1-5, RSV.
Paul declares under inspiration that the moral climate of
this world will not improve as time goes on. This simple pre-
diction could have saved the Western world much unfounded
and wishful optimism during
the
nineteenth century and the
first third of the twentieth.
Although every age could be described by Paul's list, he
seems to suggest here that the last days will be especially
difficult for those who prize righteousness. These times will be
perilous because of the kind of men and women who will bring
stress into the church. These are not obvious worldlings but
rather those who try to pass off what they do under the cloak
of religion. They are people whom Christians should be careful
about associating with—"avoid such people."
The characteristics of the five foolish virgins (Matt. 25) are
reflected in Paul's list, and Ellen White closes her description
of the foolish virgins with the observation that "their service
to God degenerates into a form. . . . The apostle Paul points
out that this will be the special characteristic of those who
live just before Christ's second coming. [2 Tim. 3:1-5, quoted]."
—Christ's Object Lessons,
page 411.
THINK IT THROUGH
Does any one of Paul's appalling list apply to me? Do I
enjoy the reputation of being a Christian without enjoying
the power of a Spirit-filled life?
"Shall the selfishness and the ease of those who have
earthly comforts and attractive homes allure us? Shall we
cease as moral agencies to use our powers to the saving of
souls? Shall our voices be indistinct? Then God will put His
curse upon us who have had so great light, and inscribe upon
the walls of our homes: 'Lovers of pleasures more than lovers
of God.'
"—Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 55.
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 2, pp. 285-291.
96
Avoiding a Counterfeit Faith
LESSON 12
Monday
September 15
Part 2
COUNTERFEIT
FAITH
What are some of the marks of a counterfeit faith?
"For among them are those who make their way into
households and capture weak women, burdened with sins
and swayed by various impulses, who will listen to anybody
and can never arrive at a knowledge of the truth.. . . These
men also oppose the truth, men of corrupt mind and coun-
terfeit faith; but they will not get very far, for their folly will
be plain to all." 2 Tim. 3:6-9, RSV.
The astonishing aspect of Paul's summary is that among
these self-loving, pleasure-seeking church members would be
some who would actively propagate their own brand of reli-
gion. Their methods, however, are not open and direct; they
are secretive and cunning. Methods often are the first clue to
the authenticity of religious doctrine that sounds acceptable
on the surface. Another interesting feature of these tradesmen
of heresy is that they would rather sneak up on a certain class
of women than on men. Somehow they would sell their ideas
to souls burdened down with guilt and self-pity.
A tragedy of life is that so many, young and old, would
rather spend years searching "new thought," while shying away
from commitment. Gospel truth is not palatable to them, be-
cause it requires decision and repentance. Large indeed is
the amount of money collected each year by merchants of the
occult, secret wisdom, and "new" light.
The problem of ever learning without finding the truth is
not always the result of insincerity; it may just as easily be the
problem of not making a strong attempt to practice it. Such
people "need an experience in the truth that will enable them
to comprehend the elevated character of the
work."—Testimo-
nies,
Vol. 3, p. 53.
But Paul gave some timely advice that would help those
concerned with keeping the faith pure; it would save some
premature heresy hunting. Give them time, Paul counseled.
There is something clearly false about counterfeit faith as there
is something clearly right about truth. Error may spread for
a while—but it will not get far before exposing itself.
THINK IT THROUGH
Is truth for me more a matter of knowing something than
doing something? Does my faith bring forth the fruits of the
Spirit?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's
Object
Lessons, "Saying and Doing,"
pages 272-283.
97
Avoiding a Counterfeit Faith
LESSON 12
Tuesday
September 16
Part 3
What characteristics set Paul apart from those he has
GENUINE FAITH
described earlier in the third chapter?
"But thou host fully known my doctrine, manner of life,
purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience, persecutions,
afflictions . . . ; what persecutions I endured: but out of them
all the Lord delivered me. Yea, and all that will live godly
in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution." 2 Tim. 3:10-12.
In absolute contrast to the sorry description of those with
a counterfeit faith (verses 1-9) stands Paul's record. Timothy
and all his hearers, and their hearers down to the end of time,
should not be overwhelmed by unscrupulous, insincere church
members who will
be
responsible for great stress in the church.
Paul lived through no less stress, and his example is there for
all men to follow.
But Timothy, remember, he said, the Lord rescued me! He
and all genuine Christians would endure similar experiences if
they were loyal to the truth and lived a godly life. But through
it all, the Lord would preserve. The Greek for "thou hast fully
known" is literally, "you have followed." Timothy not only
watched, he followed just as one man would follow another
down a street. He had allowed Paul's faith to become his own.
In this summary of his life, Paul was not telling Timothy
anything new. With only a few hours to live, he was talking like
a father to his son. His faith in Jesus has made the difference
—the contrast between his life and that described in verses
1-5 is self-evident.
THINK IT THROUGH
Why is it that there is so little persecution in the lives of
church members today?
"The only reason is that the church has conformed to the
world's standard and therefore awakens no opposition. The
religion which is current in our day is not of the pure and holy
character that marked the Christian faith in the days of Christ
and His apostles. It is only because of the spirit of compromise
with sin, because the great truths of the word of God are so
indifferently regarded, because there is so little vital godliness
in the church, that Christianity is apparently so popular with
the world. Let there be a revival of the faith and power of the
early church, and the spirit of persecution will be revived, and
the fires of persecution will be rekindled."—The
Great Con-
troversy,
page 48.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 507-510.
98
Avoiding a Counterfeit Faith
LESSON 12
Wednesday
September 17
Part 4
SCRIPTURES,
THE BASIS
OF FAITH
How only can the Scriptures become a basis for faith?
"But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned
and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast
learned them; and that from a child thou hast known the
holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto sal-
vation through faith which is in Christ Jesus." 2 Tim. 3:14, 15.
This is a remarkable exhortation, one that many Christians
have overlooked or rejected. As time goes by, there will always
be those who feel embarrassed or dissatisfied with the old
truths. They must innovate. They are not satisfied with that
which is revealed—they must go beyond. They argue for a new
theology, a new morality, a new image. It may be necessary to
adapt methods to the changing needs and current thought
framework as the generations pass—but Paul's counsel is
"continue in [remain in] what you have learned and have
firmly believed." Verse 14, RSV.
It is one thing to have passed all examinations on the doc-
trines with a perfect record and quite another to allow them to
control the desires and decisions of life. People may know
doctrinal truth and yet not be firm believers. Such is the tragedy
of the five foolish virgins in Matthew 25.
The chief reasons for any man's stability and deep assur-
ance were also Timothy's: He knew from whom he had learned
the truth and he knew the Scriptures which formed the basis
for whatever Paul had taught him in word and example.
When Timothy heard Paul for the first time, he recognized
the voice that he had heard when he read the Scriptures. Paul
was no innovator; he was consistent with the Old Testament.
Paul claimed before Agrippa (Acts 26) that he preached nothing
other than what had already been predicted by the prophets.
Knowing about the Messiah was not enough. Timothy had
to recognize his need for a Saviour, repent of self-will and
self-indulgence, and commit his life completely to the God he
heard speaking to him in the Old Testament and in Paul's
preaching. Timothy's response to Jesus was the beginning of
the life of faith.
THINK IT THROUGH
Am I more concerned about what Paul said than I am con-
cerned about doing what Paul did? Do I memorize Paul, or
do I see what Paul saw and hear what Paul heard?
FURTHER STUDY
Fundamentals of Christian Education,
pages 123-128.
99
Avoiding a Counterfeit Faith
LESSON 12
Thursday
September 18
Part 5
SCRIPTURES
TRAIN IN
RIGHTEOUSNESS
For what purpose was the Bible given to man?
"All scripture is inspired by God and profitable for teach-
ing, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteous-
ness." 2 Tim. 3:16, RSV.
Timothy had no need to fear for the future even though
Christianity's chief spokesman and his dearest friend was about
to be executed. No false teacher need cause him dismay. No
matter what happened to men, the Holy Scriptures remained as
the unerring guide to Christian faith and practice.
"Profitable for teaching." In verse 15, Timothy was reminded
that the Scriptures "are able to instruct you for salvation." RSV.
Such teaching is salvation knowledge, full of God's invitation
and mercy, full of Jesus Christ as man's example and substi-
tute. The purpose of the Bible is not merely to teach facts that
men can discover by their own personal investigation; rather
it is to teach spiritual truths that can be learned only by divine
revelation.
"For reproof, for correction." Another translation for "re-
proof" is "refutation." The Scriptures are profitable for the
refuting of every error and religious fiction; they are the only
writings in the world that can change sinners into believers
and commandment keepers. The results of sincere Bible study
are unsurpassed.
"For training in righteousness." The chief purpose of the
Bible is to lead men to a right relation with God, to that quality
of life that God can point to as examples of His way of life.
THINK IT THROUGH
Has the Bible been for me the voice of God speaking to
my soul? What was the last passage that spoke to me?
"God has been pleased to communicate His truth to the
world by human agencies, and He Himself, by His Holy Spirit,
qualified men and enabled them to do this work. He guided
the mind in the selection of what to speak and what to write.
The treasure was intrusted to earthen vessels, yet it is, none
the less, from Heaven. The testimony [of the Bible] is con-
veyed through the imperfect expression of human language,
yet it is the testimony of God; and the obedient, believing child
of God beholds in it the glory of a divine power, full of grace
and truth."—The
Great Controversy,
Introduction, pages vi, vii.
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
Introduction, pages v-vii.
100
Avoiding a Counterfeit Faith
LESSON 12
Friday
September 19
Part 6
What
is the ultimate purpose in studying the Bible?
SCRIPTURES
MAKE MAN
"That the man of God may be perfect, throughly furnished
COMPLETE
unto all good works." 2 Tim. 3:17.
"Perfect" should be understood as fitted or equipped. The
man or woman who chooses to identify with God will use His
divinely revealed writings to teach, to refute, to help restore
men and women to upright living, and to educate young and
old in the ways that will produce righteousness of character.
In other words, the Christian who wants to find victory over
sin in his life and who wants a clear statement of what truth
is so that he can encourage others to accept Jesus as Lord
will find that the Bible lacks nothing and the Christian will be
wanting in nothing. All that is needed and more is in the Bible.
All the equipment necessary to live victoriously, ceasing to
sin, is available through the record of Holy Scripture. The
Christian learns about these divine resources when he studies
the Bible with the right motives in mind.
The study of God's Word is not an end in itself; it should
always lead to action, to moral restoration, to a change in
ethics.
The man of faith is the only person who can read the Bible
correctly.
"Through faith they [Bible students] come to know God by
an experimental knowledge. They have proved for themselves
the reality of His word, the truth of His promises. They have
tasted, and they know that the Lord is good.
"The beloved John had a knowledge gained through his
own experience. He could testify: [quote 1 John 1:1-3].
"So everyone may be able, through his own experience, to
'set his seal to this, that God is true.' John 3:33, A.R.V. He can
bear witness to that which he himself has seen and heard and
felt of the power of Christ. He can testify:
"'I needed help, and I found it in Jesus. Every want was sup-
plied, the hunger of my soul was satisfied; the Bible is to me
the revelation of Christ. I believe in Jesus because He is to me
a divine Saviour. I believe the Bible because I have found it to
be the voice of God to my soul.'
"—The Ministry of Healing,
page 461.
THINK IT THROUGH
Have I been using the Bible as a check sheet of those
characteristics that will make me a loyal child of God? Am I
fully equipped to represent God regardless of the occasion?
FURTHER STUDY
Christ's Object Lessons,
"Hidden Treasure," pages 111-114.
101
LESSON 13 September 21-27
FAITI4 FACES
DEATH-
"I have fought a good fight, I
have finished my course, I have kept
the faith: henceforth there is laid
up for me a crown of righteousness,
which the Lord, the righteous judge,
shall give me at that day: and not to
me only, but unto all them also that
love his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:7, 8.
For at least 30 years Paul had been
laboring as Christ's tireless ambas-
sador,
but when he wrote these
lines, his days were numbered. He
knew not whether Timothy would
arrive before his execution. He
spoke as a dying man would to his
son. His solemn words are pro-
foundly stirring.
Although Paul said nothing new
in this last chapter of Second Tim-
othy, the fact that the shadow of the
sword hung over his head gives spe-
cial importance to what he chose
to say. He summed up his career in
these few words—a dying man
doesn't waste his words. How in-
tently Timothy must have read them
with tearful eyes and trembling
hands.
What was said to Timothy would
apply to every Christian down
through the years until Jesus comes.
Although the ordained minister
should take special heed to Paul's
incisive commands, no church mem-
ber can avoid his own measure of
responsibility. Paul talks to everyone
who wants to finish his life with the
confidence that they too have
"fought a good fight, ... finished
my course, ... kept the faith."
The chapter seems to be divided
into three parts: (1) Keep your eye
on the coming of the Lord if you
want to keep perspective and have
reason to hope; (2) keep your eye
on what is going on around you so
that you are not deceived or dis-
heartened by timeservers and jeal-
ous competitors; (3) keep your eye
on the Lord who will never desert
you and will always provide the
strength necessary.
Paul had a great opportunity to
think of himself and his predicament
as he penned these words. After all,
Paul was on trial for his life. He had
labored incessantly for untold thou-
sands; he had stored up no material
security for his old-age convenience.
But now, when he needed his
friends, where were they? They had
left him, and not always for the best
of reasons. Paul had reason to think
of himself now; a show of self-pity
would have been easily understood.
But instead of pleading his case, he
continued to plead the cause of Jesus
Christ. He asked only that Timothy
go and do likewise. Problems Tim-
othy would face. How well Paul
knew! But the gospel was more im-
portant than a person's comfort and
convenience. In summary Paul is
saying, "God has been with me and
strengthened me and has never
failed me—now, Timothy, the same
Lord be with you; grace be with
you." See verse 22.
LESSON OUTLINE
1.
Preach the Word, 2 Tim. 4:1, 2
2.
Teach the Truth, 2 Tim. 4:3-5
3.
Keeping the Faith-1, 2 Tim.
4:5-7
4.
Keeping the Faith-2, 2 Tim. 4:7
5.
Love His Appearing, 2 Tim. 4:8
6.
The Lord Gave Me Strength,
2 Tim. 4:17, 18
Faith Faces Death
LESSON 13
Sunday
September 21
Part 1
PREACH
THE WORD
What was Paul's last charge to Timothy?
"I charge thee therefore before God, and the Lord Jesus
Christ, who shall judge the quick and the dead at his appear-
ing and his kingdom; preach the word, be instant in season,
out of season; reprove, rebuke, exhort, with all longsuffering
and doctrine." 2 Tim. 4:1, 2.
The charge to all Christians, especially the ministry, is to
"preach the word." In verse three, the equivalent word is
"sound doctrine"; in verse four, "the truth." This "word" con-
sists of the Scriptures (2 Tim. 3:15, 16) and all that Timothy
had heard and learned from Paul and the other apostles. The
"word" Christians are to proclaim is not their own invention.
The Christian's duty is to hear the word and to obey it, guard
it from heresy, and proclaim it wherever men are found without
embarrassment and without tempering it to curry favor.
Such preaching is clothed in urgency. Hearts are not warmed
and broken by listening to a listless, drowsy witness. The judg-
ment is coming, and time is uncertain. Half-hearted witnessing,
lazy presentations, give the lie to the Christian message.
Paul added relevancy to urgency—God's word fits the
needs of all men—convincing argument for the doubtful, re-
buke for the sinful, and encouragement for the weary or fearful.
The Biblical message must be taught in an intelligent man-
ner. Teaching and preaching need not be separate duties. Pity
the church that hears not a compassionate witnessing appeal
in its teaching and a logical, intelligent presentation of truth
in its preaching.
So that Timothy might remember who is behind all proclama-
tion of the word, Paul pointed him to the One who is ultimately
responsible for its success—the ever-present God and the com-
ing Jesus, the Judge of the living and the dead.
THINK IT THROUGH
How urgent have I been in the last week about telling
close associates about the saving power of Jesus Christ?
FURTHER STUDY
Testimonies,
Vol. 8, p. 295;
Christ's Object Lessons,
"The
Sower Went Forth to Sow," page 40.
104
Faith Faces Death
LESSON 13
Monday
September
22
Part 2
TEACH
THE TRUTH
Why was Paul greatly concerned that the gospel be
preached with unfailing urgency?
"For the time will come when they will not endure sound
doctrine; but after their own lusts shall they heap to them-
selves teachers having itching ears; and they shall turn away
their ears from the truth, and shall be turned unto fables. But
watch thou in all things, endure afflictions, do the work of an
evangelist." 2 Tim. 4:3-5a.
Already in Paul's day (chap. 3:6, 7) the church was plagued
by those who would seek to remake the gospel after their own
whims.
Paul focused on a strange condition called "itching ears."
Such people are attracted to certain teachers and preachers
who find peculiar satisfaction in serving up novelties and con-
centrating on the curious and sensational. The pity is that such
people close their ears against the clear, old-fashioned gospel,
chiefly because the gospel always asks for commitment when
it promises its blessings.
By what standards do some church members judge their
teachers and preachers? "The apostle does not here [2 Tim.
4:3, 4] refer to the openly irreligious, but to the professing Chris-
tians who make inclination their guide, and thus become en-
slaved by self. Such are willing to listen to those doctrines only
that do not rebuke their sins or condemn their pleasure-loving
course. They are offended by the plain words of the faithful
servants of Christ and choose teachers who praise and flatter
them."—The
Acts of the Apostles,
pages 504, 505.
Paul's advice to Timothy was simply this: Don't take your
lead from the prevailing theological fashions of the moment;
don't quietly leave the scene to the gratifiers of "itching ears."
When people are unstable, that is the time for the man of faith
to stand his ground. When people would rather hear anything
but the sober word, that is the time for conscientious Chris-
tians to be even more persevering. The deafer the people, the
more forceful and clear must be the proclamation.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I tend to back away and wait for a more favorable
opportunity when people show greater interest in side issues
and novelties, or do I think of more effective ways to gain
their attention and respect?
FURTHER STUDY
Evangelism,
pages 158, 337, 625.
105
Faith Faces Death
LESSON 13
Tuesday
September 23
Part 3
KEEPING
THE FAITH-1
What pressing reason did Paul give for Timothy to fulfill
his ministry?
"Make full proof of thy ministry. For I am now ready to
be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have
fought a good fight." 2 Tim. 4:5b-7a.
Here Paul gives the chief reason for the importance of Tim-
othy's ministry—Paul was at the point of being executed. Paul
uses the language of the temple—sacrificial language. The New
English Bible reads, "My life is being poured out on the altar."
"Departure" suggests in the Greek the loosening of a ship's
mooring rope, or the loosening of a tent's cords as the tent
goes down. How can anyone read these lines without a lump
in the throat?
But there is a total absence of self-pity or regret in Paul's
last words. This kind of death he did not deserve. Nevertheless,
he maintained triumphant hope, and cheer for all, as he showed
his converts everywhere how the man of faith faces death.
What kind of fight was Paul referring to? "The life of the
apostle Paul was a constant conflict with self. He said, 'I die
daily.' 1 Corinthians 15:31. His will and his desires every day
conflicted with duty and the will of God...
"At the close of his life of conflict, looking back over its
struggles and triumphs, he could say, 'I have fought a good
fight....'
"The Christian life is a battle and a march. In this warfare
there is no release; the effort must be continuous and per-
severing. It is by unceasing endeavor that we maintain the
victory over the temptations of Satan. Christian integrity must
be sought with resistless energy and maintained with a resolute
fixedness of purpose."—The
Ministry of Healing,
pages 452,
453.
THINK IT THROUGH
Do I depend more on the Bible promises of forgiveness
than on the promises of power to overcome sin? If so, might
this not tell me how much I am willing to struggle with sin?
"Each one has a personal battle to fight. Not even God can
make our characters noble or our lives useful, unless we be-
come co-workers with Him. Those who decline the struggle lose
the strength and joy of victory."—The
Ministry of Healing,
page
487.
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
page 549.
106
Faith Faces Death
LESSON 13
Wednesday
September 24
Part 4
What settled assurance did Paul have when he faced
KEEPING
death?
THE FAITH-2
"1
have finished the race, I have kept the faith." 2 Tim.
4:7, RSV.
Every Christian has his personal race to run—not against
anyone else, but on a course that has only one goal, to reflect
the character of Jesus. Paul likens this course to the public
footraces that were very familiar to his readers.
Timothy had been by his side when Paul had run against
stiff winds of hostility and misunderstanding. Timothy knew
well what that course would be like after Paul was gone. Paul's
record was plain and for all the world to examine—he had not
faltered. He didn't run halfway and become satisfied with his
progress. He died growing and running.
In what way did Paul keep the faith? Throughout the Timothy
letters Paul contrasted faith with a counterfeit religious expe-
rience. Genuine faith produces love and does not mistake
theological knowledge for true Christian experience. See 1 Tim.
1. But Paul does not depreciate doctrine when he emphasizes
faith. Although it is true that a church member may have sound
doctrine without faith, he cannot have faith without the founda-
tion of the truth about God and how He saves men. The pur-
pose of doctrine is to lead men to have a trusting, obedient
relationship with God—the experience of faith. See 1 Tim. 6;
2 Tim. 3.
Jesus on Calvary also faced death alone. No doubt his
Lord's experience provided the courage that kept Paul strong.
"Amid the awful darkness, apparently forsaken of God, Christ
had drained the last dregs in the cup of human woe. In those
dreadful hours He had relied upon the evidence of His Father's
acceptance heretofore given Him. . . . By faith He rested in
Him whom it had ever been His joy to obey. And as in sub-
mission He committed Himself to God, the sense of the loss
of His Father's favor was withdrawn. By faith, Christ was vic-
tor."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 756.
THINK IT THROUGH
In the minor distresses of life has my faith been strong?
What is the foundation on which faith for tough times is
built?
"If Christ is my Saviour, my sacrifice, my atonement, then
I shall never perish. Believing on Him, I have life forevermore.
Oh, that all who believe the truth would believe in Jesus as
their own Saviour. I do not mean that cheap faith unsupported
by works, but that earnest, living, constant, abiding faith, that
eats the flesh and drinks the blood of the Son of God."—
Selected Messages,
Bk. 2, p. 381.
FURTHER STUDY
The Acts of the Apostles,
pages 511-513.
107
Faith Faces Death
LESSON 13
Thursday
September 25
Part 5
LOVE HIS
APPEARING
To whom will the eternal rewards be given?
"Henceforth there is laid up for me the crown of righteous-
ness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, will award to me
on that Day, and not only to me but also to all who have
loved his appearing." 2 Tim. 4:8, RSV.
Paul never doubted that Jesus would return
the
second
time. He believed Jesus' promises as relayed to him through
the other apostles. Furthermore, these firsthand witnesses were
corroborated by personal revelation. See 1 Cor. 15:8.
The second advent gives meaning and an end to history.
Life on earth will not merely repeat itself endlessly, generation
after generation, subject to the whims of man or the mysterious
forces of nature. There is a goal toward which all mankind
moves—the judgment of all and the reward of life everlasting
to those who were comfortable and settled into God's way of
living.
The crown (literally, a garland of olive leaves) symbolized
victory for those who had identified with righteousness. In this
text Paul is emphasizing that the reward of eternal life is a
reward for being righteous, for a life-style that was loyal to
God. "In the kingdom of God, position is not gained through
favoritism. It is not earned, nor is it received through an arbi-
trary bestowal. It is the result of character. The crown and
the throne are the tokens of a condition attained; they are the
tokens of self-conquest through our Lord Jesus Christ."—The
Desire of Ages,
page 549.
Eternal life awaits all who have made it clear that they are
willing to say Yes to whatever God wants them to do—the way
of righteousness. Such a commitment has fitted them for the
family of heaven and "the Lord can trust them" to be of that
number. See
Christ's Object Lessons,
page 315.
Every Christian should feel the confidence of a victor, know-
ing all the while that each victory was made possible by the
indwelling Christ. Faith carries within itself the assurance that
God will open wide the door to those who have trusted and
obeyed Him.
Although we must live life to the full each day, the real
cause for enthusiasm and meaning to life lies in the Chris-
tian's love for the advent. It remains for the genuine Christian,
the "blessed hope."
THINK IT THROUGH
Would you want Jesus to return tomorrow, or are there a
few things that you want to do before He returns?
FURTHER STUDY
The Great Controversy,
pages 339, 340.
108
Faith Faces Death
LESSON 13
Friday
September 26
Part 6
THE LORD
GAVE ME
STRENGTH
What was Paul's reason for peace and assurance?
"But the Lord stood by me and gave me strength to pro-
claim the word fully, that all the Gentiles might hear it. . . .
The Lord will rescue me from every evil and save me for his
heavenly kingdom." 2 Tim. 4:17, 18, RSV.
In
times of loneliness and impending death, where did Paul's
thoughts go? Cut off and virtually abandoned, he longed for
the touch of an old friend's hand. For a variety of reasons
everyone who had been ordinarily by his side were gone, ex-
cept faithful Luke (verse 11). (In a way this information tells
us as much about the heroism of Luke as about the loneliness
of Paul.)
He urged Timothy to come before winter (verses 9, 21); to
bring Mark also (the young man he had written off as a coward
some years before) (verse 11); to bring a winter cloak; and to
bring books and parchments (verse 13). Here was a man with
his heart set on the great return of His Lord, but also with a
hearty longing for Timothy.
Although Paul rested his confidence in the Lord, who always
stood by him, he did not despise the earthly means by which
the Lord works. When we are lonely, we need friends; when
we are cold, we need clothing; when we are bored, we need
books.
Nevertheless, there are times when even the best of friends
cannot provide what the spirit needs. No one can give a per-
sonal witness for another, especially in times of great stress.
By Paul's side, unseen by the curious spectators and malicious
persecutors, was One as real to Paul as his own self: "The
Lord stood by me."
Such
A
a Presence was not imagination. He helped Paul to
witness boldly and convincingly to the truth about Jesus and
on numerous occasions He delivered Paul from his impas-
sioned foes.
Paul was not so naive as to believe that God would always
deliver him from physical harm; but he did know that none of
his enemies could inflict any lasting harm. Evil would not con-
quer his spirit. In God's time, there would be a place for him
beyond the reach of suffering about which he knew so much.
No wonder Paul, in the shadow of the executioner's sword,
could sing out, "To him be the glory for ever and ever. Amen."
Verse 18, RSV.
THINK IT THROUGH
When you face the lonely moment when no earthly friend
can spare you from responsibility and suffering, even death
itself, how do you think you will respond?
FURTHER STUDY
The Desire of Ages,
pages 354-358.
109
LESSONS FOR THE FOURTH QUARTER OF 1975
Sabbath School members who have not received a copy of the Adult
Lessons for the fourth quarter of 1975 will be helped by the following out-
line in studying the first two lessons. The title of the series is "Jeremiah
—A Message for Our Time."
First lesson: "The
Times of Jeremiah." Memory verse, 2 Chron. 36:15,
16. Lesson outline is as follows: (1) The International Scene, Ezek. 17:12,
15. (2) Josiah, Jer. 1:2. (3) Jehoiakim and the First Siege, 2 Chron. 36:1.
(4) Jehoiachin and the Second Siege, 2 Kings 24:6, 8. (5) Zedekiah and
the Third Siege, 2 Kings 24:17; 23:34. (6) Jeremiah's Fellow Prophets,
Dan. 1:1, 3, 4, 6.
Second lesson:
"Jeremiah's Call." Memory verse, Jer. 1:9. Lesson
outline is as follows: (1) Called by God, Jer. 1:1, 2. (2) Foreknown by
God, Jer. 1:4, 5. (3) Overwhelmed by God's Call, Jer. 1:6. (4) God's En-
abling, Jer. 1:7, 8. (5) His First Vision, Jer. 1:11, 12. (6) God's Reassur-
ance, Jer. 1:19.
SIGN THE
DAILY STUDY
PLEDGE
FILL YOUR LIFE
WITH THE
"You search the Scriptures, because you suppose
that in them you will tied eternal life
;
it is
WORDS
OF GOD
those Scriptures that yield evidence abtit Me."
—John 5:39. Weymouth.
Study Your
Sabbath
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Book of the year
for the second time!
Bible Readings
for the Home
The first and one of the most popular
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Caribbean
Central-Amercan
Golombia-Venez ela
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Franco-Haitian
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Population
Anti!' ian U.C.
7,490,000
Caribbean U.C.
2,853,896
Central-
American U.M.
16,933,568
Colombia-
Venezuela U.M.
33,611,046
Cuban Church
8,300,000
Franco-Haitian U.M.
5,270,000
Mexican U.M.
54,908,000
West Indies U.C.
2,159,032
Inter-American
Division
4
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Division Totals
131525,542
(Figures as of 1st quarter, 1974)
S.S.
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48,201
55,668
36,315
53,498
8,890
72,531
91,787
81,545
Chur
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256
34,6
278
46,1
270
39,0
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50,2
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74,5
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56,8
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